Green Tea Soda with Fresh Fruit and Mint Recipe
Introduction
Green Tea Soda is a refreshing and lightly sweetened beverage perfect for warm days. Combining the earthy flavor of green tea with sparkling water and fresh fruit, it offers a delightful twist that’s both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
- 8 bags green tea
- 4 cups boiling water
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 cups assorted fresh fruit, such as nectarine wedges, lemon or lime slices, blueberries, and/or raspberries
- 1 liter plain sparkling water, chilled
- fresh mint
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the green tea bags to the boiling water and let them steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags, then stir in the honey until dissolved. Cover the brewed tea and chill it in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: While the tea is chilling, prepare the fresh fruit by slicing nectarines, lemons, or limes, and gathering berries as desired.
- Step 3: Divide the chilled tea mixture evenly among eight to ten 12-ounce glasses. Add a variety of the fresh fruit to each glass.
- Step 4: Top each glass with chilled sparkling water to fill, then garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a sweeter soda, adjust the honey amount to taste or substitute with agave syrup for a different flavor.
- Try using flavored sparkling water, such as lemon or berry, for an added layer of taste.
- Freeze some fresh fruit into ice cubes to keep the drink cold without diluting the flavor.
Storage
Store leftover brewed tea in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. It’s best to add sparkling water and fresh fruit just before serving to maintain fizz and freshness. Do not store the soda assembled, as the carbonation will quickly dissipate.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tea?
Yes, you can substitute green tea with black tea or herbal tea depending on your flavor preference, but keep in mind this will change the final taste.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Absolutely. This soda contains no caffeine if you choose a caffeine-free herbal tea and has natural sweetness from honey and fruit. Just adjust the tea type accordingly.
PrintGreen Tea Soda with Fresh Fruit and Mint Recipe
Refreshing and lightly sweetened Green Tea Soda combines brewed green tea with sparkling water and fresh fruit, creating a delightful, effervescent beverage perfect for warm days or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes (steeping tea)
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 8 bags green tea
- 4 cups boiling water
- 3 tablespoons honey
Fruit & Garnish
- 4 cups assorted fresh fruit (such as nectarine wedges, lemon or lime slices, blueberries, and/or raspberries)
- fresh mint, for garnish
Soda
- 1 liter plain sparkling water, chilled
Instructions
- Brew the Tea: Place 8 green tea bags in 4 cups of boiling water. Let steep for 2 to 3 minutes to avoid bitterness, then remove and discard the tea bags.
- Sweeten and Chill: Stir in 3 tablespoons of honey while the tea is still warm to dissolve fully. Cover and place the brewed tea in the refrigerator to chill completely.
- Prepare the Fruit: While the tea chills, slice up 4 cups of assorted fresh fruit such as nectarines, lemon or lime slices, blueberries, and raspberries. These add flavor and visual appeal to the soda.
- Assemble the Soda: Divide the chilled tea evenly among eight to ten 12-ounce glasses. Add the fresh fruit to each glass to infuse additional fruity notes.
- Add Sparkling Water and Garnish: Top each glass with the chilled 1 liter of plain sparkling water. Finish by adding fresh mint leaves for a fragrant, refreshing aroma.
Notes
- For a stronger tea flavor, steep the green tea bags for up to 5 minutes but avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.
- Adjust honey sweetness to taste or substitute with a sugar-free sweetener for a lower calorie option.
- Use a mix of colorful fruits for both a vibrant appearance and a complex flavor profile.
- Serve immediately after adding sparkling water to maintain fizz.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
Keywords: green tea, soda, sparkling water, refreshing drink, honey sweetened, fruit infused beverage
