Carrageenan Free Strawberry Basil Iced Tea
This is the kind of drink that makes a hot afternoon feel like a special occasion. Fresh strawberries are simmered down with maple syrup until they release a gorgeous deep-pink juice, then steeped with whole basil leaves for a syrup that's floral, fruity, and just a little unexpected. That homemade syrup is what sets this apart ā no store-bought flavored teas or pre-made mixes, which are common culprits for hidden additives like carrageenan that can sneak into bottled and canned beverages. Everything here is straightforward and whole: real fruit, real herbs, black tea, and maple syrup. The result is a pitcher of iced tea that's bright, refreshing, and layered with flavor in a way that plain sweet tea simply can't match. Serve it over a tall glass of ice with a sprig of basil and a few strawberry slices, and it looks as good as it tastes.
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Learn more āIngredients
4 servings
For the tea
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
For the strawberry basil syrup
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- Ā½ cup maple syrup
- Ā½ cup water
- Ā½ cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
To finish
- 2 cups cold water
For serving
- ice, for serving
- fresh basil sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- sliced strawberries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Remove from the heat, add the tea bags, and steep for 5 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags, then set the brewed tea aside to cool slightly.
- 2
While the tea steeps, combine the halved strawberries, maple syrup, and 1/2 cup water in the same saucepan (or a second small saucepan) over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries have softened and released their juices and the liquid is a deep pink, about 8 minutes.
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