Sesame 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 fragrant basil leaves to create a syrup that's floral, fruity, and completely homemade. That syrup gets strained and stirred into brewed black tea for a refreshing pitcher drink that's miles ahead of anything you'd find bottled at a store. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of sesame ā no hidden tahini, no sesame-laced sweeteners, no cross-contact concerns from a packaged mix. The basil adds an unexpected herbal note that makes this feel sophisticated without any extra effort. Serve it over a big glass of ice with a few sliced strawberries on top and it looks as stunning as it tastes. It's the perfect thing to batch ahead and keep cold in the fridge for whenever the craving hits.
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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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