Boricha Sparkling Mocktail (Korean Roasted Barley Tea)
A sparkling Korean barley tea mocktail built from strong-brewed boricha, honey, fresh lemon, and sparkling water. Earthy and lightly nutty with no bitterness -- the carbonation lifts the roasted barley flavor and makes it feel like a real drink rather than just iced tea.
Servings 2 glasses
Calories 25kcal
Cost $2
Equipment
- 1 Small saucepan or kettle
- 2 Tall glasses
Ingredients
For the Boricha Concentrate
- 4 boricha tea bags or mugicha -- roasted barley tea
- 500 ml boiling water
Per Glass
- 125 ml boricha concentrate chilled
- 1 tsp honey or agave syrup for easier cold dissolving
- 1/4 lemon juice only -- about 1 tbsp
- 100 ml sparkling water plain, cold
- ice
- 1 slice lemon for garnish
Instructions
Brew the Boricha Concentrate
- Add 4 boricha (roasted barley tea) bags to 500ml of just-boiled water. Steep for 8 minutes. The concentrate should be very dark -- much darker than standard iced tea. This strength is necessary because the dilution from ice and sparkling water will reduce the flavor significantly.
- Remove the tea bags and allow the concentrate to cool to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 30 minutes before using. The concentrate keeps in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Assemble Each Glass
- Add 1 teaspoon of honey or agave syrup to 125ml of chilled boricha concentrate in a glass. Stir until dissolved. If the honey is stiff, warm the concentrate slightly before adding it, then re-chill for 5 minutes.
- Squeeze the juice of a quarter lemon into the glass. Add a few ice cubes.
- Pour 100ml of cold sparkling water gently down the side of the glass. Do not stir -- the natural mixing from pouring is enough.
- Add a thin lemon slice as garnish. Serve immediately. The earthy, roasted barley flavor is most noticeable in the first few sips -- it mellows slightly as the drink warms.
Notes
Brew the concentrate at double strength -- 4 bags per 500ml, steeped 8 minutes. Weak boricha loses all flavor once diluted with ice and sparkling water.
Cold-brew alternative: steep 4 bags in 500ml cold water overnight (8-12 hours) in the fridge. Sweeter and smoother than hot-brew.
Honey is easiest to dissolve if stirred into the warm concentrate before chilling. Agave syrup dissolves in cold liquid without stirring.
Boricha is naturally caffeine-free -- safe to drink in the evening.
