Some things just smell and taste like summer. Watermelon, tomato and now basil are just that at our house. Basil iced tea has become a summer staple this season. Lightly sweet and fruity, this tea has surprised me by being refreshing and good for you. It takes the flavor of basil and amps it up a bit.
The first time I made it, I was skeptical. As much as we love basil, drinking it didn’t sound appetizing. Still, I had a pile of basil on my counter and needed ways to use it up. I was hooked after the first sip.
This recipe is an excellent way to use up any extra basil from your garden this summer. Basil is something that I have a hard time using up since it grows so fast and prolifically. I can only make so much pesto and spaghetti. This tea is just another great way to consume it fresh from the garden! This recipe may not use a lot at once, but it does help manage the overwhelm.
What is in basil iced tea?
Basil iced tea has three simple ingredients. Fresh basil leaves, honey, and water. That’s it. If that’s not frugal, I don’t know what is.
What type of basil should I use in this recipe?
It doesn’t matter what type of basil you are growing in your garden, you can try it with this recipe. I mostly use genovese basil for this tea, but if you have lemon or lime basil they would work well too. Holy basil is another that would work well, especially if you like a stronger taste. I have not tried them, but I would imagine that cinnamon basil and thai would be tasty as well.
Add ins
The great thing about this recipe is that you can make it your own. If you don’t like a lot of honey, add less. If you would rather it sweeter, add a little more. Add in additions such as hibiscus, mint or even lemon and experiment.
Ingredients:
- 1 – 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup raw honey
- water
How to make basil iced tea:
- Boil two cups of water. While the water is boiling, wash and place 1 to 2 cups of basil leaves in a half gallon jar or pitcher. This is dependent on how strong you would like your tea.
- Once water comes to a boil, turn off the heat and let sit for a few seconds. Pour the hot water over the basil. Stir well. Let leaves steep for 15-20 minutes. Again, this is based on your preference as to how strong you want your tea.
- After 15 minutes, remove the basil leaves and add in honey. Stir well until honey is dissolved. Fill the rest of the jar up with cool water and stir again. Refrigerate until chilled. Pour over ice and enjoy!
Questions
Can I replace sugar for the honey in this recipe? Sure! You can substitute it 1:1 to your liking.
Can I make this as a hot tea? Absolutely. I haven’t tried it hot, but I am sure it’s just as delicious.
Basil is an herb with loads of health benefits.
Basil iced tea is refreshing and full of antioxidents. These fight against free radicals and inflammation. Some studies show that basil has cancer fighting properties as well. It may also help to lower blood pressure and blood sugar. All of these are great reasons to consume this flavorful herb!
This may be the perfect summer tea
This tea is the perfect addition to a front porch sit to cool off from the summer sun. If I could drink this year round I would. However, I think that this taste best with fresh, in season basil. I don’t suggest using frozen basil. Although, freeze dried may work for this recipe. Dehydrated basil tends to lose it’s flavor and wouldn’t have the same effect as fresh basil.
This tea is meant to be a summer treat. Just like homegrown heirloom tomatoes or watermelon straight from the garden. It just doesn’t taste the same when it comes from the store.
This to me, is the best reason to eat seasonally. Things taste so much better when you have to wait for them don’t they? Store bought strawberries in winter don’t even compare to that first taste of fresh strawberries in the spring. Basil should be like that too.
Let me know if you have any great herb combinations for this tea. I would love to try them out!
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