Strawberry Basil Iced Tea
Strawberry Basil Tea
Chilled black tea stirred with fresh strawberries, basil, lemon, and a light honey syrup for a bright summer drink.
This strawberry basil iced tea starts with a clean, brisk black tea base, then leans on ripe strawberries for color and natural sweetness. Basil gives the pitcher a fresh herbal edge without turning the drink savory.
The berries are lightly crushed with warm honey syrup so their juices blend into the tea instead of floating at the bottom. A short basil steep keeps the flavor fragrant and green, while lemon juice sharpens the finish.
For the best flavor, brew the tea strong and chill it fully before serving. The finished pitcher can rest in the refrigerator for several hours, making it useful for cookouts, brunches, and hot afternoons when a ready cold drink is the point.
Serve it over plenty of ice with sliced strawberries and small basil leaves. If your berries are especially sweet, start with a little less honey and adjust the pitcher after the tea has chilled.
Nutrition (per serving)
Directions
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1
Bring 6 cups water just to a boil, then remove the pot from the heat.
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2
Add the black tea bags and steep for 5 minutes, pressing them gently against the side of the pot before discarding.
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3
Stir the honey into the hot tea until fully dissolved.
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4
Add the sliced strawberries and basil leaves, then gently mash the berries with a spoon until they release their juices.
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5
Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes so the strawberry and basil flavors infuse the tea.
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6
Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher, pressing lightly on the berries without forcing pulp through.
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7
Stir in the lemon juice and 2 cups cold water, then refrigerate until completely chilled, at least 2 hours.
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8
Taste the chilled tea and adjust with a little more lemon juice or honey if needed.
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9
Serve over ice with extra sliced strawberries and small basil leaves.
Ingredients
- Water:6 cups
- Black Tea Bags:6
- Fresh Strawberries, hulled and sliced:1 1/2 cups
- Fresh Basil Leaves, lightly packed:1/2 cup
- Honey:1/3 cup
- Fresh Lemon Juice:3 tablespoons
- Cold Water:2 cups
- Ice:as needed
- Sliced Strawberries and Basil Leaves for serving:as needed
Tips & Notes
- Use a plain black tea such as English breakfast or orange pekoe so the berry and basil flavors stay clear.
- Do not steep the tea bags longer than 5 minutes; oversteeped black tea can taste harsh once chilled.
- For a lighter drink, add another cup of cold water after chilling and adjust the lemon juice to taste.
- Keep the garnish separate until serving so the basil stays fresh.
