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Megan Smith

Iced Purple Basil Tea

Purple basil tea is a unique take on the typical summer iced drink that is easy to make and enjoyed by the whole family.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 Cups
Course: Drinks

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups Water
  • 1 oz Purple basil Approximately one packed cup
  • ½ cup Honey
  • Lemon juice to taste or sliced lemons or limes for garnish

Equipment

  • Cheesecloth (Optional)
  • Strainer

Method
 

  1. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a stock pot or plan to pour it into a heat proof bowl.
  2. Once at a boil, turn off the heat and add 1 oz or approximately 1 packed cup of rinsed purple basil to the water.
  3. Let steep for 10 minutes. The purple color will slowly fade from the basil leaves and turn the water a shade of blue and the leaves themselves will turn green.
  4. Once steeped, remove all the basil leaves using tongs or a strainer.
  5. Pour ½ cup honey to the still warm tea, stirring to incorporate. Your blue tinted tea will turn to a gold or pink hued drink.
  6. Strain your tea through a fine mesh strainer and/or a cheesecloth to make sure there is no additional dirt or small bugs in your final drink.
  7. Chill until ready to serve. Add a sliced lemon or lime for garnish and added flavor.