Share this post:

I recently reunited with one of my high school friends for her birthday and she served Strawberry Basil Iced Tea, and I have to say, it’s become my new go-to summer drink!

The combination of sweet strawberries and aromatic basil with the smoothness of black or green tea is incredibly refreshing. What I love most is how versatile it is—whether you use fresh or frozen strawberries, it always tastes amazing. The hint of honey or sugar adds the perfect touch of sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors.

Trust me, once you take a sip, you’ll want to make this your staple summer refreshment too!

Pin this for later:

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Refreshing Flavor Combination: The mix of sweet strawberries and aromatic basil creates a unique and invigorating taste experience.
Versatility: Can be made with black or green tea, and works equally well with fresh or frozen strawberries, making it adaptable to what you have on hand.
Health Benefits: The antioxidants from tea and the nutrients from strawberries make it a delicious and health-conscious choice.
Supports Home Gardening: If you grow your own strawberries, this recipe is a delightful way to showcase and enjoy the fruits of your labor, adding a personal and fresh touch to the drink.
Sophisticated Twist on a Classic: Elevates the traditional iced tea with the sophisticated flavors of fresh basil and strawberries, making it a more refined beverage.
No Artificial Additives: Free from artificial flavors and preservatives, it’s a natural and wholesome choice for a refreshing drink.

Ingredients

Selecting the tea for this recipe, your choice between black and green tea will set the foundation for the flavor profile. Black tea offers a bold, full-bodied flavor with a slight astringency that stands up well to the sweetness of strawberries and the herbal notes of basil. On the other hand, green tea provides a more delicate, grassy flavor that complements the freshness of the strawberries and basil without overpowering them. It’s important to choose a high-quality tea, whether you opt for loose-leaf or tea bags, as the purity of the tea will significantly impact the overall taste.

Strawberries are the highlight of this iced tea, so selecting the best quality is key to achieving the most flavorful drink. Fresh strawberries are ideal when they are in season, offering a sweet, juicy flavor that shines in this recipe. Look for berries that are bright red, plump, and fragrant, as these indicate ripeness and sweetness.

Honey brings a subtle floral sweetness that adds depth and complexity, pairing wonderfully with the herbal notes of basil. It also adds a bit of viscosity, which can make the tea feel more luxurious. Sugar, on the other hand, provides a straightforward, clean sweetness that lets the natural flavors of the strawberries and basil shine through.

Basil is the ingredient that elevates this iced tea from simple to sophisticated. When selecting basil, look for vibrant green leaves without any signs of wilting or yellowing, as fresh basil will have the most potent aroma and flavor. Steeping the basil with the tea allows its essence to infuse throughout the drink, creating a refreshing and aromatic experience.

Finally, ice cubes are more than just a way to cool the tea; they’re an essential part of the drinking experience. Freshly brewed tea can be quite strong, and as the ice melts, it gently dilutes the drink to the perfect balance of strength and refreshment. When serving, a glass full of ice ensures that each sip is crisp, cold, and revitalizing, making this Strawberry Basil Iced Tea an ideal beverage for warm days.

Ingredients for making 4 servings of Strawberry Basil Iced Tea:

4 cups water
2 black or green tea bags
1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
6-8 fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
Ice cubes

How to Make Strawberry Basil Iced Tea

Instructions for making 4 servings of Strawberry Basil Iced Tea:

Brew the Tea with Basil:
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add 2 tea bags along with 6-8 fresh basil leaves.
- Let the tea and basil steep for 5-7 minutes, allowing the basil to infuse its flavor into the tea.
- Remove the tea bags and basil leaves, and let the tea cool to room temperature.
Prepare the Strawberries:
- While the tea is cooling, wash and hull 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries.
- Slice the strawberries into halves or quarters.
Sweeten the Tea:
- In a small saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of honey or sugar.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and the sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes).
- Let the mixture cool slightly.
Combine Tea and Strawberries:
- Pour the cooled basil-infused tea into a large pitcher.
- Add the strawberry mixture to the tea, including any syrupy liquid from the pan.
- Stir well to combine.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the tea for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the tea over ice cubes, garnishing with fresh basil leaves.

Tips & Variations

Add Citrus: Squeeze in fresh lemon or lime juice for a bright, tangy twist that enhances the fruity and herbal flavors.
Alcoholic Version: For an adult version, add a splash of vodka, gin, or rum to create a refreshing summer cocktail.
Herbal Tea Option: Swap out the black or green tea for an herbal tea like hibiscus or chamomile for a caffeine-free option with a unique flavor profile.
Muddled Basil: Muddle a few extra basil leaves with the strawberries for a more intense basil flavor that infuses directly into the tea.
Fruity Garnishes: Garnish with additional slices of fresh fruit, like lemon, lime, or whole strawberries, for extra color and flavor.
Strawberry Purée: Blend some of the strawberries into a purée and mix it into the tea for a thicker, fruitier texture and a more intense strawberry flavor.
Sparkling Version: Top off the tea with a splash of sparkling water or club soda right before serving for a bubbly, effervescent twist on the classic iced tea.