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When it's hot outside and I've got friends over or just want to kick back, this bubbly green tea sparkler is my favorite thirst-quencher. Fresh fruit, a splash of fizzy water, and smooth green tea all come together for a light, tasty sipper anyone can enjoy.
Last year during a backyard get-together, I mixed up this green tea sparkler on a whim, and it was an instant crowd-pleaser. Since then, I just make a pitcher of the tea and keep it stashed in the fridge all summer for fast, cool drinks.
Tasty Ingredients
- Fresh mint: Lifts the whole drink with cool, bright notes—grab the tender top leaves for best flavor
- Sparkling water: Makes it ultra bubbly, medium-sized bubbles are best
- Fresh, seasonal fruit: Keeps things colorful and packed with yum—grab a mix for fun looks and flavors
- Pure honey: Sweetens things up and stirs in easy—try wildflower honey for a nice twist
- High-quality green tea bags: Go with Japanese or Chinese kinds for that clean, pure taste
Simple How-To
- Pull it Together:
- Pour the chilled green tea concentrate into your glasses about a third of the way up. Pop in a handful of your fruit pieces for a pretty burst of color and flavor. Gently fill to the top with sparkling water—pour slow so you keep the bubbles. Toss in a sprig of mint to finish.
- Fruit Prep:
- While your tea is chilling, rinse and chop up your fruit. Keep berries whole, slice up stone fruits into wedges, and cut super-thin rounds for citrus. Lay everything out to show off all those colors.
- Steep the Tea:
- Steep the green tea bags for two or three minutes in hot but not bubbling water, or it'll turn bitter. Pull out the bags quick, then stir in your honey while the tea's still warm so it mixes in smooth. Stick it in the fridge to cool off all the way.
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Mellow mint is what really takes this drink up a notch. I grow a bunch of types, and if you ever get your hands on chocolate mint, it brings a little mystery that folks always love but can't quite pin down.
Make Ahead Tips
Go ahead and make that green tea base up to three days before your event—just pop it in the fridge covered. It saves you hassle when guests show up. Thanks to honey, it'll stay fresh, and the flavors just keep getting deeper with time.
Fun Seasonal Swaps
Berries and peaches scream summer, but for fall you can use apples, pears, and pomegranate. When it's colder out, go wild with cranberries and blood oranges. Spring? Strawberries and rhubarb are awesome. Just use whatever’s looking good at the store.
Wellness Perks
Jam-packed with antioxidants from green tea and way less sugar than stuff from the store, this one lets you skip the junk but keeps all the fun. Sparkling water means you don't have to worry about fake flavors or loads of sweeteners, so you can hand these out to anyone.
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Common Recipe Questions
- → Is sparkling water a must?
You don't have to use it, but it brings the fun bubbles. You can totally swap it for plain water if you want it still.
- → Can I tweak the sweetness?
For sure! Add more honey if you like sweet stuff. Or leave it out to keep things light.
- → What fruits work for this drink?
Whatever fruit you've got lying around works. Try orange, any berry, or peach slices for a twist.
- → How do I keep leftover tea fresh?
Pop any leftover tea mix into a sealed container. Keep it in the fridge and finish in a couple days.
- → How long do I let the green tea sit?
About 2 to 3 minutes is perfect to brew the tea just right and skip the bitterness.