There’s nothing like the first sip of a Cherry Earl Grey Sparkler on a warm afternoon.
The fragrant notes of bergamot from Earl Grey tea blend effortlessly with sweet cherries and fizzy soda, creating a refreshing drink that feels both classic and playful.
Each chilled glass transports me to a cozy summer garden party, even when I’m simply unwinding at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fragrant tea base – Earl Grey’s bergamot aroma shines through every sip.
Sweet cherry pop – Fresh cherries add bursts of fruity flavor and vibrant color.
Effervescent finish – Soda water lightens the sweetness, making it endlessly drinkable.
Easy, no-fuss prep – Steep, sweeten, and mix over ice—no special skills required.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Earl Grey tea bags – Two bags ensure a robust, fragrant brew.
Sugar – Sweetens the tea; adjust to taste for balance with soda.
Fresh cherries – Pitted and halved for natural sweetness and a pop of color.
Soda water – Provides gentle carbonation that lifts the flavors.
Ice cubes – Keeps the drink crisp and refreshing.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use very hot but not boiling water (around 200°F) to steep the tea for optimal bergamot extraction without bitterness.
Sweeten generously—since soda and ice dilute the mixture, the initial tea should taste noticeably sweet.
Chill your glass in the freezer ahead of time to keep the sparkler colder longer.
Choose ripe cherries—they should be firm and deeply colored for the best flavor and visual appeal.
How to Make Cherry Earl Grey Sparkler
Step 1: Steep the Tea
Steep two Earl Grey tea bags in very hot water for 2–3 minutes.
Remove the bags and add sugar.
Stir until fully dissolved and the tea tastes distinctly sweet.
Step 2: Prepare the Glass
Fill a tall serving glass halfway with ice cubes.
Add a handful of pitted, halved fresh cherries.
Step 3: Combine & Top with Soda
Pour the sweetened Earl Grey tea into the glass, filling it about two-thirds full.
Top off with soda water, gently stirring to combine without deflating the bubbles.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Add a few extra cherry halves on top for garnish. Serve immediately while fizzy and cold.
What to Serve It With
Light pastries – A buttery croissant or lemon scone complements the tea’s citrus notes.
Fresh fruit salad – Melon, berries, and mint echo the drink’s sweet, herbal character.
Cheese board – Mild cheeses like brie or chèvre pair nicely with Earl Grey’s bergamot.
Tea sandwiches – Cucumber or smoked salmon tea sandwiches create a refined afternoon spread.
Variations / Substitutions
Boozy twist – Add a splash of gin or vodka for an adult-iced cocktail.
Herbal change-up – Swap cherries for raspberries or mixed berries for a different fruity profile.
Sweetener swap – Use honey or agave in place of sugar for a floral or earthy sweetness.
Tea alternative – Substitute Earl Grey with black tea plus a few drops of orange extract to mimic bergamot.
Minty lift – Add a few fresh mint leaves to the glass for an extra cooling note.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate the tea base – Store any leftover sweetened tea (without cherries or ice) in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Cherry syrup option – Freeze steeped tea in ice cube trays and add to fresh batches to chill without diluting.
Prepare cherries ahead – Pit and halve cherries, then store in a sealed container for up to 2 days to save time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes—thaw and drain them first, though fresh cherries offer the brightest flavor and color.
How do I prevent the tea from tasting bitter?
Steep for no more than 3 minutes in hot (not boiling) water to avoid over-extraction.
Is this drink caffeine-free if I want a decaf option?
Use decaffeinated Earl Grey tea bags, and the drink remains flavorful without caffeine.
Can I make the tea base in advance?
Absolutely—brew and sweeten the tea up to one day ahead.
Chill before combining with ice, cherries, and soda.
What’s the best glassware for serving?
Tall, clear glasses showcase the fizzy bubbles and vibrant cherries.
Chilled glasses keep it colder longer.
How fizzy will the sparkler stay?
Serve immediately after adding soda; ice and fruit can cause bubbles to fade over time, so enjoy while it’s at peak fizz.
Final Thoughts
The Cherry Earl Grey Sparkler is a simple yet sophisticated refresher that captures the essence of early fall or any warm day. Its balance of sweet tea, juicy cherries, and fizzy soda makes it endlessly enjoyable.
Whip up a batch for brunch, afternoon tea, or a cozy gathering—each sip feels like the perfect harmony of comfort and sparkle.
Earl Grey Cherry Sparkling Tea
Ingredients
- 2 bags Earl Grey tea or 1.5 tsp loose-leaf tea
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 2 tsp granulated sugar plus more to taste
- 3 –5 fresh cherries pitted and halved (or 1/2 cup frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 cup soda water club soda or sparkling water, chilled
- Ice cubes
- Garnish optional: lemon or orange slices, fresh blackberries, mint or basil sprigs
Instructions
- Brew & Sweeten Tea: Pour hot (200°F) water over 2 Earl Grey tea bags.
- Steep 2–3 minutes, remove bags, and stir in 2 tsp sugar until dissolved.
- Let cool to room temperature, then chill 15–20 minutes.
- Prep Cherries & Glass: Pit and halve 3–5 cherries.
- Place them in the bottom of a tall glass, then fill halfway with ice cubes.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://p4pd.org/earl-grey-tea-cherry-soda-recipe/
Notes
