Description
Refreshing and flavorful Peach Basil Iced Tea combines ripe peaches, fresh basil, and black tea for a perfect summertime beverage. This lightly sweetened drink offers a delightful balance of fruity and herbal notes, enhanced with a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Ideal for serving chilled on warm days, it’s easy to make and serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Tea Base
- 4 black tea bags
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
Fruit and Herb
- 4 ripe peaches, sliced
- 10 fresh basil leaves
Additional Flavoring
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Steep the tea: Boil 4 cups of water in a saucepan. Once boiling, remove from heat and add 4 black tea bags. Let them steep for 5 minutes to extract a rich tea flavor.
- Sweeten the tea: While the tea is still warm, stir in 1/2 cup sugar or honey until completely dissolved, balancing sweetness to your preference.
- Add peaches and basil: Add the sliced peaches and fresh basil leaves to the sweetened tea. Gently muddle them together to release their natural flavors and infuse the tea.
- Cool the mixture: Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour to chill and further develop the flavors.
- Prepare to serve: Before serving, stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Pour the iced tea over ice cubes and garnish with additional peach slices or basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness to taste by using more or less sugar or honey.
- For a stronger basil flavor, add more fresh basil leaves or let sit longer before chilling.
- Peach slices can be frozen ahead to keep the drink cold without diluting it.
- Use organic peaches and basil for the freshest taste.
- For a caffeine-free version, substitute black tea bags with herbal tea or rooibos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
