This Strawberry Basil Iced Tea is the perfect way to beat the heat and enjoy a taste of summer sunshine. Grab your ingredients, get steeping, and prepare to be wowed!

Table of Contents Show

Recipe Highlights

Easy and refreshing: Made with simple ingredients and ready in no time!
Customizable: Adjust sweetness and basil to your taste.
Perfect for picnics and parties: A crowd-pleasing drink for any occasion.

Ingredient Notes

Strawberries: Choose juicy, ripe ones for the best flavor. Frozen strawberries work too, just thaw them first.
Basil: Fresh basil leaves are key! They add a unique peppery touch that elevates the whole drink.
Black tea: Any type will work, but try Earl Grey for a citrusy twist or Ceylon for a strong, malty base. But green or herbal teas work well too. Play around and find your favorite!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Muddle the magic: In a pitcher, gently mash some strawberries and basil leaves with a spoon. This releases their yummy flavors.
Brew the base: Steep your chosen tea in hot water for a few minutes until nice and strong.
Sweeten up (naturally): Add more strawberries to the pitcher and mash lightly. Let them sit for a while to release their sweetness.
Strain and chill: Pour the tea mixture through a strainer to remove any bits and pieces. Let it cool, then pop it in the fridge for at least an hour, or overnight for extra flavor.
Time to sip! Fill a glass with ice, pour in your chilled tea, and garnish with a fresh strawberry and basil sprig. Ahh, summer in a glass!

Storing and Preserving

This tea is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to make a bigger batch, you can freeze the tea in ice cube trays for quick and easy iced tea on demand.

Interesting Facts

Did you know strawberries aren’t actually berries? They’re technically a type of fruit called an aggregate accessory fruit!
Basil is considered a sacred herb in some cultures and is believed to have healing properties.

Questions You May Have

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?

Sure! Just thaw them first and drain any excess juice. While fresh strawberries will give the best taste, use frozen strawberries and make syrup as I mentioned below in the recipe card.

2. What if I don’t like basil?

No worries! You can leave it out, or try another herb like mint or rosemary.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s perfect for parties or potlucks.

Related Recipes

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Strawberry Basil Iced Tea

Recipe by Tania FaysalCourse: Drinks

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

128

kcal

Total time

minutes

This drink is a fun twist on the classic iced tea made with strawberries and basil, perfect for impressing your friends.

Ingredients

1 cup fresh strawberries, roughly chopped
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
4 cups water
4 black tea bags (or your favorite tea)
1/3 cup sugar or Honey or maple syrup to taste (optional)
Ice cubes
Fresh strawberries and basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Muddle strawberries and basil together in a pitcher.
Steep tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes.
Add tea to the pitcher with strawberries and basil.
Add honey or maple syrup to taste, if desired.
Let cool slightly, then strain into a pitcher or serving glasses.
Fill glasses with ice and pour in tea.
Garnish with fresh strawberries and basil, if desired.

Notes

If you want a more intense flavor, you can try making syrup with muddled strawberries, basil, and sugar by simmering it on heat for 5 minutes. Then combine the syrup and brewed tea in a pitcher.
Add some chopped strawberries if you are making it without syrup for that extra fresh texture and flavor.
For a stronger basil flavor, steep the leaves in the hot tea for a few minutes before adding the strawberries.