Strawberry Basil Tea
Fresh basil and strawberries are steeped together, lightly sweetened, and poured over a glass of ice in this beautiful herbal medley of strawberry basil tea.
I’m not a coffee drinker and, until recently, I really didn’t like herbal tea. But I wanted to like it. Herbal tea has many health benefits, and I know there are tea lovers all around the world. So, I learned this past winter how to love herbal tea. I found some really great herbal tea blends from Farmhouse Teas. (No, I’m not an affiliate. I just really like their tea!) I also learned that I like to brew the tea extra strong and add pure maple syrup and milk. Sometimes I’ll even add some whipped cream on top for a treat!
Afternoon tea time has become a welcome part of my day because I get to pause and do something for myself for a few minutes. Taking the time to slow down and enjoy a cup of tea really boosts my mood and helps me be more productive for the rest of the afternoon.
I have actually been dreaming since winter about the iced herbal tea I would get to drink this summer. I bought a few different blends to try and they have been fabulous. But I have to say that making your own strawberry basil tea from fresh ingredients instead of dried herbal blends just makes it extra special and a perfect part of summer.
When you’re in the dog days of summer and need a respite from the heat, you’ll be delighted with this refreshing and beautiful ice cold drink.
Tips For Strawberry Basil Tea:
- If using fresh strawberries, wash and remove the stems. Mash or puree the fresh or frozen strawberries. This will allow the most flavor to be extracted during the steeping process. It is also the most enjoyable way to drink the strawberries with your tea.
- You can add the strawberries into the filter with the basil if you would rather not have strawberries in your tea.
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FAQ:
Can you use fresh herbs for tea?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs but it depends which herbs you are using. Some herbs, such as elderberries, are poisonous when uncooked. Be sure to do your research before using fresh herbs. Fresh teas can taste quite different than their dried counterparts. They taste more fresh!
Is fresh herbal tea good for you?
Just like dried herbal tea, fresh herbal tea has many health benefits.
How long do you steep tea for iced tea?
This strawberry basil iced tea steeps for 5-8 minutes. I tend to steep it for the full 8 minutes to maximize the flavor.
How do you keep iced tea fresh?
Store iced tea in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator. For iced tea with added fruit, like this recipe, the tea can stay fresh for up to 1 week. Teas without added fruit can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Strawberry Basil Tea Ingredients
To Make 4 cups of Herbal Tea:
Filtered water
Fresh basil leaves
Strawberries, pureed
Add to Each Quart Jar or Large Glass:
Cubed ice
1 Tbsp pure maple syrup or raw honey
1/2 tsp pure vanilla
Tools You May Need:
Cold brew iced coffee maker (this is the one I have)
Tea kettle or pot
How To Make Strawberry Basil Tea
Heat water in a pot or kettle over high heat; bring to a boil. Meanwhile, mash or puree the strawberries.
Chop the fresh basil leaves into fine strips.
Pour strawberry puree into the bottom of your cold brew maker. Place chopped basil into the strainer and insert the strainer into the cold brew maker.
Pour boiling water over the herbs. Place lid on top of the cold brew maker to keep the nutrients from evaporating out. Steep for 5-8 minutes.
Remove the strainer and discard the basil. You can let the strawberry basil tea cool to room temperature before serving or put it in the fridge overnight.
If you’re impatient like me, fill a glass or quart jar to the top with ice and pour the strawberry basil tea over the ice. Add in your sweetener of choice and vanilla. Stir to mix. Let sit for a few minutes before drinking so the ice can cool the tea. If you let the tea cool before serving, you will only need to fill the glass halfway with ice. Then add sweetener and vanilla, stir, and enjoy.
Find More Summer Recipes:
- Date Sweetened Ice Cream Cherry Chocolate Chunk
- Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Bowl
- Naturally Sweetened Blueberry Ice Cream
- How to Cook Pizza on the Grill
- Blackberry Kefir Gut Healthy Popsicles
If you make this recipe and love it, I would love if you gave it 5 stars!
Strawberry Basil Tea
Fresh basil and strawberries are steeped together, lightly sweetened, and poured over a glass of ice in this beautiful herbal medley of strawberry basil tea.
Ingredients
- Tea:
- 4 cups water
- 6-8 Tbsp fresh basil, cut and sifted or 3-4 Tbsp dried basil
- ½ cup strawberries, pureed in blender or food processor
- For each quart sized jar or large glass:
- 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
- ½ tsp pure vanilla
- Cubed ice
Instructions
1. Mash or puree the strawberries. Chop the fresh basil leaves into fine strips. Heat water in a pot or kettle over high heat; bring to a boil. Pour strawberry puree into the bottom of your cold brew maker. Place chopped basil into the strainer and insert the strainer into the cold brew maker.
2. Pour boiling water over the herbs. Lightly place the lid on top of the cold brew maker to keep the nutrients from evaporating out. Steep for 5-8 minutes.
3. Remove the strainer. You can let the strawberry basil tea cool to room temperature before serving or put it in the fridge overnight. If you’re impatient like me, fill a glass or quart jar to the top with ice and pour the strawberry basil tea over the ice. Add in your sweetener of choice and vanilla. Stir to mix.
4. Let sit for a few minutes before drinking so the ice can cool the tea. If you let the tea cool before serving, you will only need to fill the glass halfway with ice. Then add sweetener and vanilla, stir, and enjoy.
Notes
- If using fresh strawberries, wash and remove the stems. Mash or puree the fresh or frozen strawberries. This will allow the most flavor to be extracted during the steeping process. It is also the most enjoyable way to drink the strawberries with your tea.
- You can add the strawberries into the filter with the basil if you would rather not have strawberries in your tea.
