Tree Nut Free Strawberry Basil Iced Tea
Fresh strawberries and fragrant basil come together in a homemade syrup that turns a simple pitcher of black tea into something genuinely special. The syrup is cooked low and slow until the berries break down into a gorgeous deep-pink liquid, then the basil steeps right into it for an herby, floral finish that store-bought drinks just can't replicate. Maple syrup sweetens everything naturally, so there's no refined sugar and no mystery ingredients to second-guess. Once the syrup is strained and stirred into the brewed tea, the whole pitcher goes into the fridge to chill into something refreshing and beautiful. It's the kind of drink that looks impressive at a summer gathering but comes together with everyday pantry staples and a single saucepan. Poured over ice and topped with a sprig of basil and a few strawberry slices, it's as pretty as it is delicious.
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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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