Spice 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 hot afternoon feel like a special 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 syrup for a floral, summery depth that feels anything but ordinary. The whole thing comes together with brewed black tea and cold water, giving you a refreshing pitcher that's naturally sweet and completely free of any added spices or hidden heat. For anyone navigating sensitivity to spices, this recipe is a genuinely safe and satisfying option — every ingredient is straightforward, and there's nothing lurking in the mix. Straining the syrup keeps the final drink smooth and beautifully clear, so it looks just as good as it tastes. Pour it over a tall glass of ice, add a sprig of basil and a few strawberry slices, and you've got something that looks like it came from a fancy café without any of the guesswork.

About Fig

Fig 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 →

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.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!