Refreshing Strawberry Basil Infusion
Indulge in the delightful fusion of fresh strawberries and fragrant basil with this refreshing iced tea. This recipe showcases Thai basil, which adds an aromatic herbaceous note, but regular basil works beautifully as well. Infused with vibrant flavors, this drink is perfect for warm days, picnics, or as a light afternoon refreshment. The sweetness of strawberries harmonizes with the earthy notes of black tea and fragrant basil, creating a unique and satisfying beverage that will impress your friends and family.
N/A
Servings
65
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Black tea bags
6 (Choose your favorite flavor)
Water
4 cups (For brewing tea)
Basil leaves
1 cup (Fresh, Thai or regular)
Sugar or sweetener
to taste (Adjust according to preference)
Water
1 cup (For making basil syrup)
Strawberries
10 large (Sliced or chopped)
Ice cubes
as needed (For serving)
Instructions
1
Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan.
2
Remove from heat and add 6 black tea bags. Let it steep for 5 to 8 minutes according to your taste preference.
3
Once steeped, carefully remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
4
In a separate saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of basil leaves and sugar (to taste). Cover and let it steep off heat for 10 minutes to create a fragrant basil syrup.
5
Strain the basil syrup to remove the leaves, then stir in the sliced or chopped strawberries while still warm. Allow this mixture to cool down.
6
Once cooled, combine the basil-strawberry syrup with the brewed tea in a pitcher. Stir gently to mix.
7
Refrigerate the pitcher for at least 2 hours to chill and let the flavors meld.
8
Serve the tea over ice in glasses, garnished with additional strawberry slices or basil leaves if desired. Enjoy your refreshing infusion!
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Refreshing Strawberry Basil Infusion?
It is a delightful iced tea fusion of fresh strawberries, fragrant basil, and earthy black tea, perfect for warm days and picnics.
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Yes, while Thai basil adds a specific aromatic herbaceous note, regular basil works beautifully in this recipe as well.
How many tea bags are required for this recipe?
You will need 6 black tea bags of your favorite flavor.
How long should the black tea steep?
The tea should steep for 5 to 8 minutes, depending on your personal taste preference.
How do I make the basil syrup?
Bring 1 cup of water to a boil, add 1 cup of basil leaves and sugar, then cover and let it steep off the heat for 10 minutes.
How many strawberries are needed?
The recipe calls for 10 large strawberries, either sliced or chopped.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 65 calories per serving in this drink.
Is there any fat in this strawberry basil infusion?
No, this beverage contains 0g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 17.5g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this drink provide?
This infusion contains 1g of protein per serving.
How much total water is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 5 cups of water: 4 cups for brewing the tea and 1 cup for the basil syrup.
When should I add the strawberries to the syrup?
Stir in the sliced or chopped strawberries while the strained basil syrup is still warm.
How long should the finished tea be refrigerated?
The pitcher should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to chill and allow the flavors to meld properly.
How should I serve the strawberry basil infusion?
Serve the tea over ice in glasses, garnished with extra strawberry slices or basil leaves if desired.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, you can use sugar or your preferred sweetener adjusted to your personal taste.
What flavor of black tea works best?
The recipe suggests choosing your favorite flavor of black tea bags.
Is it necessary to strain the basil leaves?
Yes, you should strain the basil syrup to remove the leaves before adding the strawberries.
Is this drink suitable for summer?
Absolutely, it is categorized as a summer beverage and a refreshing drink for warm weather.
Do I add the tea bags to boiling water?
You should bring the water to a boil, then remove it from the heat before adding the tea bags to steep.
What is the preparation for the strawberries?
The strawberries should be either sliced or chopped.
Does the tea need to cool before mixing with the syrup?
Yes, you should allow the brewed tea to cool to room temperature before combining it with the syrup.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients in total, including ice and water.
Can I make this as a homemade gift?
Yes, the tags indicate this is a great homemade beverage option.
Is this considered a herbal tea?
While it uses black tea as a base, it is tagged as a herbal tea due to the significant infusion of fresh basil.
What makes the basil syrup fragrant?
Steeping the basil leaves in hot water with sugar for 10 minutes extracts the aromatic oils.
Should the basil syrup be covered while steeping?
Yes, the instructions recommend covering the saucepan while the basil steeps for 10 minutes.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, the sugar or sweetener is added 'to taste' so you can adjust it to your preference.
Do I need to boil the tea bags?
No, you should remove the water from the heat before adding the tea bags to prevent bitterness.
What is the primary flavor profile?
It is a balance of sweet strawberries, earthy black tea, and aromatic, herbaceous basil.
Is this recipe easy to scale up for parties?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to fill a larger pitcher for guests.