Nightshade Free Strawberry Basil Iced Tea
This drink is the definition of summer in a glass ā sweet, floral, and refreshingly cold with a gorgeous deep pink color that looks almost too pretty to drink. The homemade strawberry basil syrup is the real star here, built by simmering fresh strawberries with maple syrup and then steeping in fragrant basil leaves until the whole thing smells like a garden. Straining the syrup into brewed black tea gives you a smooth, jewel-toned base that's layered with flavor without any artificial syrups or mystery additives. For anyone navigating nightshade restrictions, beverages can be surprisingly tricky ā certain commercial teas and flavored drinks sneak in unexpected ingredients ā but every single component here is clean and straightforward. Maple syrup steps in as a natural sweetener that adds a gentle depth without overpowering the fruit. Serve it over a big pile of ice with a sprig of basil on top and you've got something that feels genuinely special, whether you're hosting a backyard gathering or just treating yourself on a slow afternoon.
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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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