Spice Free Sparkling Lemonade Berry Iced Tea
This drink is the definition of warm-weather refreshment — bright, fruity, and fizzy in all the right ways. Fresh strawberries are muddled until they release their juice, then combined with steeped black tea and a silky maple-lemon syrup that brings just the right amount of sweetness without relying on refined sugar or any flavoring blends. Because every single ingredient here is straightforward and whole, it's a genuinely easy choice for anyone avoiding spices, seasonings, or anything with a hidden ingredient list. The lemon syrup is made from scratch on the stovetop in just a couple of minutes, so you stay in full control of what goes into the glass. Chilled sparkling water gets added at the very end, giving the whole thing a lively, effervescent lift that makes it feel a little special. It's the kind of drink that looks stunning on a table — especially with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh mint — but comes together with minimal fuss and maximum payoff.
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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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