Thirst-Quenching Sparkling Iced Tea

Satisfy your soda cravings with this bubbly and refreshing take on iced tea.

As a kid, the rule was I couldn’t have a “coke” until after 12 noon. Which goes to show that even back before all of the scientific evidence suggesting soda wasn’t all that good for us, my mom knew it was something that shouldn’t be abused. Of course that didn’t mean as a teen and adult I didn’t have my fill of the carbonated beverages. 

But in my infinite wisdom, I’ve tossed out the can of preservatives, salt, chemicals, artificial color (don’t get me started on “fake” sugars) for a healthier alternative. And the recipe couldn’t be simpler. 

Start with your favorite brewed tea. Personally, I like sun tea, but any means of brewing will work. And here’s the secret: You’ll brew it double strength. No, not to keep you up to study for a final, but because you’ll be diluting it with sparkling water and a little sweetener, courtesy of a splash of fresh juice. If you’re caffeine sensitive, try to avoid chemically decaffeinated varieties, instead opt for a naturally stimulant-free herbal choice.

You’ll get the look and feel of a soda, a little pick-me-up if you so desire, minus all of the not-from-this-earth ingredients, and me thinks you’ll never go back to soda again!

Here's the Recipe:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: Up to One Hour (depending on brewing method)
• Yield: 4-5 glasses

Ingredients

• 1/2 Gallon Brewed Unsweetened Tea (double the amount of tea, but not the water)
• 1/2 Gallon Sparkling Water (unflavored is best)
• 1/3 cup Fresh Juice (unsweetened is best), or more to taste
• Ice Cubes
• Fresh Mint and/or Lemon for garnish, optional

Directions

Star by brewing your tea, using twice the amount of tea as recommended. Once done, remove the tea bags and allow to cool to room temperature. In a one gallon pitcher or container, fill it half way with ice. Next, pour in your juice. Any juice will work, or even lemonade. But I try to keep it fresh without any added sugar. You can use more juice if you really like it sweet, but I prefer just a hint of sweet. Up to you. Then slowly pour in your sparkling water, followed by your tea. Give it a couple of stirs to combine and you’re ready to go. 

Fill a large glass half way with ice, pour in your sparkling tea, garnish with a sprig of mint, or maybe a slice of lemon and enjoy!

Note: If making it for just yourself or to keep it carbonated longer, combine only the juice and tea and keep the sparkling water sealed tight. When you’re thirsty, add ice to your glass, fill it half full of sparkling water and the rest with your tea and juice combo. Re-seal the sparkling water and you’ll have bubbly tea as you want for a few days in the fridge.