Sparkling Afternoon Tea Recipe

Steep the tea

Bring 1 liter of water to a near-boil (about 95°C / 203°F). Place 4 black tea bags into a heatproof pitcher. Pour the hot water over the tea bags and steep for 4–5 minutes for a full-bodied brew. Do not over-steep more than 6 minutes to avoid bitterness.

Sweeten and cool

Remove and discard the tea bags, gently pressing them against the side with a spoon to extract flavor. Stir in 2 tablespoons honey and 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice while the tea is still warm so the honey dissolves completely. Let the sweetened tea cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator until cold (about 30–45 minutes).

Prepare sparkling base

When the tea is chilled, measure 750 ml chilled sparkling water (or club soda) and 3 tablespoons elderflower cordial. If you want an adult version, have 250 ml chilled prosecco ready (optional).

Mix gently

In a large pitcher, combine the chilled tea with the elderflower cordial. Add the chilled sparkling water. If making the adult version, replace 250 ml of the sparkling water with 250 ml prosecco, or add the prosecco just before serving to preserve bubbles. Stir very gently once to combine — avoid vigorous stirring so you don't flatten the bubbles.

Prepare glassware

Fill 6 tall glasses or teacups with a few ice cubes (about 4–6 cubes each). Add one lemon slice and one halved strawberry to each glass and tuck in 1–2 mint leaves for aroma and color.

Assemble and serve

Pour the sparkling tea mixture over the prepared glasses, dividing evenly. Garnish each glass with an extra sprig of mint and a floating lemon slice if desired. Serve immediately so the drink remains fizzy. If serving a mixed group, pour non-alcoholic glasses from the soda/tea mix and top adult glasses with the prosecco.