Strawberry-Basil Iced Tea! A fun twist on iced tea, this drink surprises the palate with the taste of ripe strawberries and the fresh flavor of basil.
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When the hot summer months are upon us, a refreshing drink is always a great thing to have in hand!
This Strawberry Basil Iced tea elevates tea to the next level. Fresh, juicy strawberries and fragrant basil simple syrup add an unexpected flavor profile to this iced tea that work surprisingly well together!
This drink is great to serve as a mocktail for special occasions or as a cool sipper any time the temps are soaring!
Looking for more refreshing drinks? Check out my Vanilla Rosemary Lemonade, Sparkling Mint Limeade or Strawberry Thyme Lemonade!
Ingredients
- Water
- Black tea bags
- Sugar
- Water
- Basil leaves
- Strawberries
Instructions
Heat water until boiling using a kettle or microwave.
Add 4 tea bags to the boiling water and let them steep until desired strength is reached.
Prepare Basil Simple Syrup:
In a small saucepan, bring sugar and ¼ cup of water to a boil. Simmer for about 1 minute until the sugar completely dissolves.
Remove from heat. Add basil leaves and let them steep for approximately 10 minutes.
Blend Ingredients:
Once the tea and sugar syrup have cooled slightly, strain them into a blender along with the strawberries. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
Using a mesh strainer, strain the blended mixture into a pitcher, pressing on the solids to extract all the juice. Discard the solids.
Pour the strained mixture over ice to serve.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes, you can experiment with different types of tea to customize the flavor. Green tea or herbal tea blends can also work well with strawberries and basil.
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used as a substitute for fresh strawberries in this recipe. Just ensure they are thawed before blending.
Yes, you can make the iced tea ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It's best to consume it within a day or two for the freshest flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
Try these variations:
- Try different berries such as blueberry, blackberry or raspberries for a different flavor profile.
- Not a fan of basil? Mint works great as well!
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for a hint of tartness.
Strawberry-Basil Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 4-5 large basil leaves chopped or torn
- 10 large strawberries
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil {in kettle or microwave}. Add 4 tea bags and steep until desired strength is achieved.
- Meanwhile, bring sugar and ¼ cup water to a boil in a small saucepan; simmer for 1 minute or until sugar is completely dissolved. Toss in basil leaves and allow to steep for about 10 minutes.
- When tea and sugar syrup are ready and slightly cooled, strain into a blender with strawberries. Blend for a minute or two, until mixture is completely smooth.
- Using a mesh strainer, strain the mixture into a pitcher, pressing on the solids to remove any juice. Discard solids.
- Pour over ice to serve.
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