I am newly obsessed with Caribou Coffee’s Sparkling Peach Black Tea. It’s fizzy. It’s sweet. But it’s also $5 for a small and even when I specify “light ice” it still comes jam packed. In the spirit of saving money, cutting sugar, and not paying a premium for frozen water, I made my own version to share with you. It is a dead ringer for the real thing, and cinch to make too!
All you need to do is brew then chill your favorite black tea then swirl in homemade Peach Simple Syrup which, as the name implies, is really simple to make. Like someone should seriously consider renaming it “ridiculously-simple syrup”. Top the glass off with a splash of sparkling club soda, and you’re set. Don’t like black tea? Nix it and enjoy an Italian Peach Soda by mixing the peach simple syrup with club soda. Craving dessert? Add a scoop of vanilla gelato on top. Me? I’m sticking with the original Sparkling Peach Black Tea. It is perfection!
Start the Sparkling Peach Black Tea by brewing your favorite black tea. I like Trader Joe’s Mango Black Tea. Usually it’s a 1:1 ratio of cup of water to tea bag, but read the steeping instructions just in case. Once brewed, chill in the fridge.
Next make that peach ridiculously-simple syrup! First combine 1 cup each water and sugar in a saucepan.
Next add 2 sliced peaches (unpeeled) or 12oz frozen peach slices.
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool completely then strain out the peaches. I told you — simple!
Pour the peach simple syrup into a glass storage container with a lid, such as a mason jar, then refrigerate until completely chilled. You can make the simple syrup up to a week ahead of time.
Assembly time!
Fill glasses with ice then fill halfway up with the chilled black tea.
Add 2-3 Tablespoons chilled peach simple syrup, depending on how sweet and peachy you want your drink. This is a big bonus of making sweetened teas or drinks at home. YOU control the amount of sugar you add, and not the coffee house barista!
Finally, top with club soda.
Stir, and sip! I hope you love every drop of this easy, refreshing homemade fizzy tea — enjoy!
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