Citrus Earl Grey Sparkler

Love a good cup of Earl Grey tea, but want something a little lighter and bubbly? This Citrus Earl Grey Sparkler is the perfect answer! It’s bright, refreshing, and has a wonderful citrusy kick. Plus, it’s super easy to make – perfect for a quick pick-me-up or a fun twist on afternoon tea.

This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves Earl Grey tea and enjoys sparkling drinks. It’s not overly sweet, but you can adjust the honey to your preference. The grapefruit and lemon juice add a lovely zest that complements the bergamot in the Earl Grey tea beautifully.

Ingredient Notes

• Earl Grey Tea: I like to use a good quality Earl Grey tea for the best flavor. Some brands have stronger bergamot notes than others, so experiment to find your favorite. If you can’t find Earl Grey, Lady Grey is a nice substitute.
• Honey: This recipe uses honey to sweeten the drink, but you can definitely adjust the amount to your taste. In my experience, 3/4 cup is a good starting point, but if you prefer sweeter drinks, add a little more honey at a time until it hits the spot.
• Grapefruit and Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice is always best for this recipe. It adds a bright, vibrant flavor that bottled juice just can’t match. If you don’t have fresh citrus on hand, you can use bottled juice in a pinch, but the taste won’t be quite as good. Tip: When juicing your grapefruit and lemon, try to avoid getting too much of the white pith in the juice, as it can be bitter.
• Sparkling Water: Any kind of soda maker will work here! Use the level of carbonation you prefer. For a lighter, more refreshing drink, use less sparkling water. For a more intense fizz, fill your glass almost all the way with sparkling water.
• Garnishes: While a grapefruit or lemon slice is a classic garnish, I’ve also found that a sprig of fresh mint or a few raspberries add a lovely touch of color and flavor. Feel free to experiment and find what you like best!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Citrus Earl Grey Sparkler

1. Heat the Water: In a kettle or saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
2. Steep the Tea: Once boiling, pour the hot water into a mug or heat-resistant glass. Steep the Earl Grey tea bag for 2-3 minutes, allowing the tea to release its flavor.
3. Sweeten and Dissolve: While the tea steeps, remove the tea bag and add ¾ cup of honey to the hot tea. Stir well until the honey is completely dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your preference.
4. Prepare the Glass: Grab a tall glass and fill it with ice cubes.
5. Add the Citrus Zest: Squeeze the juice from the grapefruit and lemon directly into the glass with ice. Aim for ½ cup of juice from each fruit.
6. Cool the Tea: While you prepare the glass, allow the brewed tea to cool slightly. Hot tea can melt the ice too quickly, watering down your drink.
7. Combine and Top Up: Once the tea is cool enough, pour the Earl Grey mixture with honey over the ice and citrus juices in the glass.
8. Sparkling Finish: Top off your drink with 1 ½ cups of chilled sparkling water from your soda maker.
9. Garnish and Enjoy: For a final touch, add a slice of grapefruit or lemon for a pop of color and a citrusy aroma. Enjoy your refreshing Zesty Earl Grey Sparkler!

Storing and Preserving

Unfortunately, this Zesty Earl Grey Sparkler isn’t ideal for storing or preserving due to a few factors:

1. Carbonation: Sparkling water loses its fizz over time, so the longer you store the drink, the flatter it will become.
2. Citrus Juice: Fresh citrus juice can become bitter as it sits, affecting the overall taste of the drink.
3. Dilution: Ice continues to melt even in a refrigerator, further watering down the drink’s flavor profile.

For the best taste and experience, this recipe is designed to be enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftover brewed Earl Grey tea or citrus juice, here are some tips:

• Store leftover brewed Earl Grey tea: Let the tea cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can use it to make another Zesty Earl Grey Sparkler or enjoy it hot or cold as regular tea.
• Store leftover citrus juice: Strain any pulp from the juice and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can use it in this recipe another time or for other recipes that call for fresh citrus juice.

Remember: It’s always best to make this drink fresh for the most vibrant flavor and perfect level of fizz!

Citrus Earl Grey Sparkler

Recipe by Tania FaysalCourse: Fruit Tea, Iced Tea

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

This sparkling tea is perfect for anyone who loves Earl Grey with a citrusy twist. It’s ready in just 5 minutes and uses simple ingredients!

Ingredients

• 1 Earl Grey tea bag

• 1 cup Boiling water

• ¾ cup Honey (adjust to taste)

• ½ cup Fresh grapefruit juice

• ½ cup Fresh lemon juice

• 1 ½ cups Sparkling water

• Sliced grapefruit or lemon (for garnish)

• Ice cubes

Directions

• Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Steep the Earl Grey tea bag for 2-3 minutes, then remove the bag.
• Add ¾ cup of honey to the hot tea and stir until completely dissolved. Adjust the amount of honey to your taste preference.
• While the tea cools slightly, fill a glass with ice cubes. Squeeze in ½ cup of fresh grapefruit juice and ½ cup of fresh lemon juice.
• Pour the cooled Earl Grey tea mixture into the glass with the citrus juices. Top it all off with 1 ½ cups of chilled sparkling water from your soda maker.
• Garnish your drink with a slice of grapefruit or lemon, and enjoy the refreshing fizz!