Honey Free Strawberry Basil Iced Tea
This refreshing summer drink layers bold black tea with a deeply fruited, herb-kissed syrup that feels anything but ordinary. The secret is a quick stovetop simmer that coaxes the strawberries into releasing a gorgeous deep-pink juice, which then gets steeped with fresh basil for a floral, aromatic finish. Maple syrup steps in as the sweetener here, giving the syrup a subtle richness that works beautifully alongside the fruit without any of the concerns that come with bee-derived sweeteners. Straining the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve keeps the final drink silky smooth, so every glass looks as stunning as it tastes. Once chilled and poured over ice, it's the kind of drink that disappears fast at a backyard gathering ā bright, fragrant, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat. A sprig of fresh basil and a few sliced strawberries on the rim make it genuinely beautiful without any extra effort.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!