Berry Basil Iced Tea





It’s Secret Recipe Club time again!

Secret Recipe Club

This month, I was assigned Angela’s Kitchen.  Angela is an expert in all things gluten and diary-free.  And I love her blog’s tagline: “Because Everyone Deserves a Cookie!”  Love it!

 I have already recommended her blog to several friends who have needed to adopt gluten and dairy-free lifestyles!  So many of her dishes looked fantastic, but since the first day of summer is upon us, I was instantly drawn to her delicious drinks!


This iced tea was absolutely amazing!  I made only half a batch since I was nervous about harvest more basil from my young plants, but will definitely make a full gallon next time.   A big mug of this iced tea is perfect on a hot summer day and so much healthier than commercial green tea beverages.  So pull up a mug and enjoy a cold glass of tea with me!


Recipe Notes:
*I used a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries in this tea.
*If using frozen berries, be sure they aren’t sweetened.  Run them under warm water for a few seconds to lightly thaw before mashing.
*I used decaffeinated green tea so my children could enjoy the tea as well.
*The white grape juice and honey are optional sweeteners, but with the spicy bite of the herbs, I thought the hint of sweetness was perfect.


Berry Basil Iced Tea
Adapted from Angela’s Kitchen

1 quart (4 cups) water, boiling
1 cup berries, lightly mashed
¼ cup basil leaves, loosely packed
1 small sprig rosemary, woody stems removed
6 bags green tea
1 tbsp honey
3 cups ice cubes, plus more for serving
½ cup white grape juice



Bring 1 quart of water to a boil in a non-reactive pot (non-stick or stainless steel).  Remove from heat and quickly stir in the berries, basil, rosemary, honey, and green tea bags.  Steep for 5 minutes.

Place the ice cubes in a non-reactive (plastic or glass) pitcher.

Strain out the large solids by pouring the tea through a colander into a large bowl.   Then, strain out any remaining pulp by lining the colander with cheesecloth or a doubled paper towel and pouring the tea into the ice filled pitcher.  Stir in the white grape juice.  Serve in mason jars filled with ice on a hot day.

Makes about ½ gallon of tea, or 8 cups

Linked to Made with Love Mondays

Comments

  1. That does look like a delicious drink! I love iced tea and with a little berry juice mixed in, what could be better? Thanks for sharing.

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  2. oh my! I have so been into making my own flavored tea drinks lately! I think I even have all these ingredients on hand, very nice SRC post. Hope you stop by and check out my Colossal cookie!
    http://itsyummytomytummy.blogspot.com/2012/06/colossal-cookie.html

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  3. What an interesting twist! Good find for summer

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  4. What a great summer drink. I love the mason jar mugs you served them in.

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  5. I can't wait to make this when our basil plants mature a bit :)

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  6. This sounds so refreshing!! I love adding fresh herbs to my drinks!

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  7. what an interesting recipe, looks so refreshing with such summery looks to it, I should wait until the summer sets in here!!, I still drink hot tea!, beautiful click dear

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  8. How refreshing, this looks fantastic, healthy too.

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  9. Wow this looks so refreshing, I wish I had a glass right now!

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  10. That looks awesome! Love the colors!

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  11. What a refreshing Summer drink! Love it! Looks gorgeous too :)

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  12. This looks amazingly refreshing! I look forward to trying this one out!

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  13. What gorgeous color, your tea looks so inviting and delicious.

    If you haven't already, I'd love for you to check out my group "A" SRC entry: Candied Popcorn.

    Lisa~~
    Cook Lisa Cook

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  14. this sounds amazingly refreshing, a perfect treat for any day!

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  15. That sounds crazy good. I really like the fact that basil makes an appearance with the berries...unexpected yet so refreshing!

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  16. Amy, I had your blog this month and just wanted to tell you I really loved combing through all your great recipes! My hubby was so amazed by the zucchini waffles :) Can't wait to try some of your other dishes!

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  17. Totally different tea with all the herbs and the berries. The flavors sound very enticing.

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  18. What a pretty drink, totally refreshing and oh so perfect for summer!

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  19. I love a fruity drink like this or an aqua fresca while laying poolside in the summer! Its still kind of gray around these parts, but hopefully July will bring some sun!
    Be sure to stop by Seasonal Potluck this month to link up your pineapple or strawberry recipes http://bit.ly/KeYUr2 Or surf the collection to find some recipe inspiration!

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  20. I love the fruit and herb combination - this looks great!

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  21. This sounds absolutely fabulous! I've got all the supplies on hand... yum yum

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  22. Wow, I never should have thought to combine all these flavors together into one iced tea, but the end result sounds fantastic - and it's such a vibrant color! Thanks so much for sharing, Amy...

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  23. Hi Amy,
    Your iced tea sounds so delicious and refreshing. Thanks for being a part of the YBR:)

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  24. Basil! YES! I love this, Amy! Pinning!

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