Seed Oil Free Sparkling Lemonade Berry Iced Tea
This drink is everything a summer beverage should be — bright, fizzy, fruity, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat without tipping into sugar overload. The base is built from steeped black tea, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and maple syrup, so every single ingredient is exactly what it says it is — no mystery oils, no processed sweeteners, nothing hiding in the label. Muddled fresh strawberries add a gorgeous ruby color and a jammy depth that store-bought berry drinks simply can't replicate. The lemon syrup comes together in minutes on the stovetop, and straining the berry pulp gives you a silky, jewel-toned liquid that looks almost too pretty to drink. A hit of chilled sparkling water at the end brings the whole thing to life with a satisfying fizz. It's the kind of refreshing drink you'll want to make on repeat all season long, and it comes together with nothing more than a saucepan, a pitcher, and a handful of real ingredients.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the tea base
- 4 black tea bags
- 3 cups boiling water
For the lemon syrup
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ¼ cup water
For the berry layer
- 16 medium strawberries, hulled and halved (about 200 g)
For assembling
- 2 cups sparkling water, chilled
- 2 cups ice cubes
For serving
- 4 lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
- 4 fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the tea bags in a heatproof pitcher or large measuring cup. Pour the 3 cups of boiling water over them and steep for 4–5 minutes, until the tea is deep amber and full-flavored. Remove the bags without squeezing, then let the tea cool to room temperature, about 20–25 minutes.
- 2
While the tea steeps, combine the maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the maple syrup is fully dissolved, about 2 minutes — the mixture should be smooth and slightly steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
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