Sesame Free Sparkling Lemonade Berry Iced Tea
This drink is the kind of thing you make once and immediately want to serve at every summer gathering. Fresh strawberries get muddled until they release their juice, then combine with a bright maple-lemon syrup and deeply steeped black tea for a layered, complex flavor that tastes far more impressive than the ingredient list suggests. The sparkling water goes in at the very end, keeping every glass lively and effervescent right up until the first sip. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of sesame — no sauces, no seed oils, no hidden additives to second-guess — so you can mix up a big batch with total confidence. The maple syrup brings a gentle, rounded sweetness that plays beautifully against the tartness of fresh lemon juice and the fruity depth of the berries. Garnished with a lemon slice and a sprig of mint, it looks like something from a café menu but comes together in your own kitchen with minimal effort. Serve it over plenty of ice on a warm afternoon and watch the glasses empty fast.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!