Basil Lemon Iced Tea

Name: Basil Lemon Iced Tea
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1.65 L water; 5 item black tea bags (Ceylon or light breakfast tea); 25–30 g fresh basil leaves (packed cup); 2–3 tbsp mild honey (to taste); 1 strip lemon peel (yellow part only; no white pith); 1-2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for light acidity); item ice; item fresh basil leaves; item lemon slices

Elegant, herbaceous iced black tea infused with fresh basil and bright lemon aroma. Lightly sweetened with honey, clean and refreshing — a botanical summer drink built on restraint and balance.

basil lemon iced tea served over ice with fresh basil leaves and lemon slices

Prep Time : 15 min

Cook Time : 5 min

Servings : 8

Prep Time :

15 min

Cook Time :

5 min

Servings :

Ingredients

Black Tea Base

• 1.65 L water

• 5 black tea bags (Ceylon or light breakfast tea) — this one on Amazon

Botanical Flavoring

• 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves (about 25–30 g)

• 2–3 Tbsp mild honey, to taste — this one on Amazon

• 1 strip lemon peel (yellow part only, no white pith)

• 1–2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, for light acidity

To Serve

• Ice

• Fresh basil leaves

• Lemon slices

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Directions

Brew the Black Tea
Heat the water to 90–95°C (195–203°F). Add the black tea bags and steep for 2½–3 minutes maximum. Remove the tea bags without squeezing and let the tea cool to lukewarm.
Sweeten Lightly
While the tea is still warm, stir in 2 tablespoons of honey until fully dissolved. Taste and add up to 1 additional tablespoon only if needed. Let the tea cool to room temperature.
Prepare the Basil
Rinse the basil leaves and gently clap them between your hands to release aroma. Do not chop or muddle — bruising releases bitterness and chlorophyll.
Basil Infusion
Add the basil leaves to the cooled tea. Refrigerate and let infuse for 10–15 minutes only, just until a fresh herbal aroma develops. Remove the basil promptly to prevent vegetal flavors.
Add Lemon Aroma and Light Acidity
Add the strip of lemon peel and let infuse for 5 minutes, then remove. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice for gentle brightness, adding up to 1 additional tablespoon only if needed.
Chill
Continue chilling the tea for 1–2 hours until fully cold and balanced.
Serve
Fill glasses with ice, pour over the chilled basil lemon iced tea, and garnish with fresh basil leaves and lemon slices.

*Notes :

Basil should be aromatic and green, never cooked or long-infused.
Lemon here is fragrant first, acidic second — the peel does most of the work.
Use mild honey so the herbal profile stays clean and focused.
Best enjoyed within 24 hours for peak aroma and clarity.

Nutrition Facts

( per ~200 ml serving )

Calories

~35 kcal

Protein

0 g

Fat

0 g

Carbs

~8 g

Calories

~35 kcal

Protein

0 g

Fat

0 g

Carbs

~8 g

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