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 delicate flavor of green tea with fresh fruit and sparkling water, it’s a vibrant and healthy alternative to sugary sodas.
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 for garnish
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.
- Step 2: Stir in the honey until fully dissolved. Cover the brewed tea and chill it in the refrigerator.
- Step 3: While the tea is chilling, prepare the fresh fruit by slicing nectarines, lemons, or limes, and gathering berries.
- Step 4: Divide the chilled tea evenly among eight to ten 12-ounce glasses.
- Step 5: Add a mix of fresh fruit to each glass, then fill with chilled sparkling water.
- Step 6: Garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste.
- Try different fruits like strawberries, kiwi, or cucumber for a unique twist.
- For extra zest, squeeze a little fresh lemon or lime juice into the tea before chilling.
- Use flavored sparkling water, such as lemon or lime, for extra aroma.
Storage
Store any leftover green tea mixture (without sparkling water and fruit) in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add sparkling water and fresh fruit just before serving to maintain fizz and freshness. Prepared drinks are best enjoyed immediately for optimal sparkle.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use iced tea bags instead of green tea bags?
If you only have iced tea bags, it’s best to brew fresh green tea for this recipe to ensure the flavor is bright and not too strong or bitter.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply substitute the honey with a plant-based sweetener like agave syrup or maple syrup.
PrintGreen Tea Soda with Fresh Fruit and Mint Recipe
A refreshing and lightly sweetened green tea soda infused with assorted fresh fruits and fresh mint, perfect for a cooling beverage on warm days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 13 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 8 bags green tea
- 4 cups boiling water
- 3 tablespoons honey
Fruit and Garnishes
- 4 cups assorted fresh fruit, such as nectarine wedges, lemon or lime slices, blueberries, and/or raspberries
- fresh mint leaves for garnish
Carbonation
- 1 liter plain sparkling water, chilled
Instructions
- Brew the Green Tea: Add 8 bags of green tea to 4 cups of boiling water and let steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Then remove and discard the tea bags to prevent over-brewing and bitterness.
- Sweeten the Tea: While the tea is still warm, stir in 3 tablespoons of honey until fully dissolved. Cover the tea and place it in the refrigerator to chill thoroughly.
- Prepare the Fresh Fruit: While the tea chills, wash and slice 4 cups of your chosen fresh fruits, such as nectarine wedges, lemon or lime slices, blueberries, and raspberries, to add flavor and visual appeal.
- Assemble the Soda: Divide the chilled green tea evenly among eight to ten 12-ounce glasses. Add a portion of the mixed fresh fruit to each glass for natural flavor and color.
- Add Sparkling Water and Garnish: Top each glass with chilled plain sparkling water to add effervescence. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing aroma and serving presentation.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of honey to taste, depending on your desired sweetness level.
- Use a mix of tart and sweet fruits for a balanced flavor profile.
- For extra chill, add ice cubes to the glasses before serving.
- You can substitute honey with other natural sweeteners like agave syrup if preferred.
- Steeping tea for longer than recommended may cause bitterness.
Keywords: green tea soda, refreshing beverage, sparkling tea, fruit infused drinks, honey sweetened drink, summer drink
