Ginger Free Strawberry Basil Iced Tea

Total time1 hr 20 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time10 min

5.0

(3)

This is the kind of drink that makes a summer afternoon feel like a real occasion. Fresh strawberries are simmered down with maple syrup until they release a gorgeous deep-pink juice, then fragrant basil leaves are steeped right into that warm syrup — the result is a flavor that's floral, fruity, and just a little herbal in the best possible way. Brewed black tea brings a subtle backbone that keeps everything grounded and refreshing rather than overly sweet. For anyone navigating a sensitivity to ginger, this recipe is a natural win — every ingredient is straightforward, and there's no spice blend or bottled mixer hiding anything unexpected. The whole thing comes together in one pitcher and chills until you're ready to pour it over ice. Garnished with a sprig of basil and a few sliced strawberries, it looks like something you'd order at a fancy café, but it's completely homemade and totally in your control.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the tea

4 cups water
4 black tea bags

For the strawberry basil syrup

1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
½ cup maple syrup
½ cup water
½ 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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