INTRODUCTION
When the weather gets warm, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing drink to cool you down. One fantastic option is the Smashed Lemon Mint Iced Tea Sprite Soda. This drink is bright, fizzy, and bursting with flavor. It is perfect for summertime gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying in your backyard. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create this delightful beverage that everyone will love.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This Smashed Lemon Mint Iced Tea Sprite Soda recipe is not just easy to make; it’s also bursting with fresh flavors. The combination of black tea, fresh lemon, and mint creates a refreshing base that is both revitalizing and soothing at the same time. The addition of Sprite gives it a fizzy kick which makes it fun and lively.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the sweetness to fit your taste, making it a hit among family and friends. Whether you want something light and refreshing or a bit more decadent, you have control over the flavor. Enjoy it on a hot day or serve it during gatherings, and it will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
HOW TO MAKE Smashed Lemon Mint Iced Tea Sprite Soda
Making this delightful drink is straightforward. With just a few easy steps, you can whip up a batch that tastes great and looks fantastic. Follow the steps below to make your own Smashed Lemon Mint Iced Tea Sprite Soda at home.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make this refreshing drink, you will need the following tools:
- A glass
- A muddler or the back of a spoon
- A kettle or microwave for boiling water
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1 black tea bag
- 30 ml hot water
- 1/2 lemon, seeded and cut into quarters
- 10 mint leaves
- Ice
- Sprite, as needed
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
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Steep the Tea: Start by steeping the black tea bag in 30 ml hot water for about 5 minutes. This allows the tea to release its flavors. After five minutes, remove the tea bag and set the tea aside to cool.
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Muddle the Lemon and Mint: In a glass, take the lemon quarters and the mint leaves. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently crush them. This process releases the juices from the lemon and the oils from the mint, giving your drink a lovely flavor.
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Add Ice: Once you have muddled the lemon and mint, add ice to the glass. Fill it according to how cold you want your drink to be. More ice will mean a colder drink!
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Pour in the Tea: Now, pour the cooled black tea into the glass over the ice. Make sure to pour it gently to keep some of the ice intact.
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Top with Sprite: Finally, top off your drink with Sprite. This adds the fizziness and sweetness that makes this drink so refreshing. Stir gently to mix everything together.
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Garnish and Serve: If you want to make your drink look extra special, feel free to garnish it with additional mint leaves or lemon slices. This is optional but adds a nice touch to your presentation.
HOW TO SERVE Smashed Lemon Mint Iced Tea Sprite Soda
This drink is best served chilled. After making the Smashed Lemon Mint Iced Tea Sprite Soda, it is perfect to enjoy right away. Pour the drink into a clear glass so you can see the beautiful colors of the lemon and mint. Serve with a straw for a fun experience.
If you are hosting a party, consider making a large batch and serving it in a pitcher. This makes it easy for guests to help themselves. Plus, they can see the delicious ingredients inside!
STORAGE & FREEZING: Smashed Lemon Mint Iced Tea Sprite Soda
The Smashed Lemon Mint Iced Tea Sprite Soda is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for a short period, but the fizz will start to fade. To store, simply cover the glass or pour the drink into a sealed container.
Avoid freezing this drink as the carbonation will not survive the freezing process, and the taste could change. It’s really best to make it as needed for the best flavor and fizz.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
This refreshing drink pairs well with many foods. Here are some tasty ideas to serve alongside your Smashed Lemon Mint Iced Tea Sprite Soda:
- Sandwiches: Light sandwiches, such as cucumber or turkey, complement the drink well.
- Salads: A fresh salad, particularly those with citrus or fruity dressings, will balance beautifully with the flavors of the tea.
- Fruits: Sliced fruits like strawberries, watermelon, or citrus fruits make excellent snacks that go great with your drink.
- Desserts: Light desserts like sorbet or lemon bars are a perfect ending to a meal when served with this fizzy drink.
VARIATIONS
While the original recipe is delightful on its own, feel free to customize it to suit your tastes! Here are some variations you might enjoy:
- Herbal Tea: Replace black tea with herbal tea for a caffeine-free option. Choices like chamomile or peppermint can add their unique flavors.
- Different Citrus: Try using lime or orange instead of lemon. This will give your drink a new twist and taste.
- Sweetness Levels: Add a bit of honey or simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- Fruity Additions: Throw in some fresh berries or have a splash of fruit juice, like pineapple or cranberry, to provide additional fruity flair.
FAQs
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Can I make this drink without tea?
- Yes! If you want a non-caffeinated version, you can skip the tea entirely and just use lemon, mint, ice, and Sprite.
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Is this drink suitable for kids?
- Absolutely! This drink is non-alcoholic and is a great refreshing option for kids and adults alike.
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How can I make it more fizzy?
- Simply add more Sprite to your drink. The more Sprite you use, the fizzier it will be!
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Can I prepare the tea in advance?
- Yes! You can brew and cool the tea ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Smashed Lemon Mint Iced Tea Sprite Soda
To enjoy your Smashed Lemon Mint Iced Tea Sprite Soda without any fuss during gatherings, consider these make-ahead tips:
- Prepare the Tea in Advance: Brew the black tea ahead of time, cool it, and store it in the fridge.
- Muddle Lemon and Mint: You can muddle the lemon and mint a few hours early and keep it in the glass with ice in the fridge until serving.
- Keep Ingredients Ready: Have your Sprite chilled and ready to go to make quick work of preparing the drink later.
With these tips, you will be ready to impress your guests with minimal effort on the day of your gathering. Enjoy your cooling, fizzy delight!
PrintSmashed Lemon Mint Iced Tea Sprite Soda
A refreshing fizzy drink combining black tea, fresh lemon, and mint, topped with Sprite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 black tea bag
- 30 ml hot water
- 1/2 lemon, seeded and cut into quarters
- 10 mint leaves
- Ice
- Sprite, as needed
Instructions
- Steep the black tea bag in 30 ml hot water for about 5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and let it cool.
- In a glass, muddle the lemon quarters and mint leaves to release their juices and oils.
- Add ice to the glass according to your preference.
- Pour the cooled black tea over the ice.
- Top with Sprite and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with additional mint leaves or lemon slices if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
For a sweeter drink, add honey or simple syrup to taste. Customize with herbal tea or different citrus fruits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: refreshing drink, iced tea, mint lemonade, summer beverage, non-alcoholic soda
