Vegan Sparkling Lemonade Berry Iced Tea
This drink is the ultimate warm-weather refresher — bright, bubbly, and bursting with real strawberry flavor that no store-bought mix can touch. Fresh strawberries are muddled right in the pitcher, releasing their natural juice into a base of steeped black tea and a silky maple-lemon syrup that brings everything together beautifully. Maple syrup steps in as the sweetener here, keeping the whole recipe completely plant-based without sacrificing any of that luscious, rounded sweetness. The lemon syrup is quick to make on the stovetop and adds a citrusy depth that plain sugar water just can't replicate. A final pour of chilled sparkling water over ice gives each glass that satisfying fizz, making it feel far more special than the effort involved. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lemon wheel and it looks like something you'd pay way too much for at a rooftop bar. It's the kind of drink that disappears fast, so you might want to double the batch.
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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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