Name: Peach Basil Iced Tea Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups water; 4 black tea bags; 2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced; 1/4 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste); 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves; 2 cups ice; Extra peach slices and basil for garnish

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If you’re craving a drink that captures the sunniest moments of summer in a single glass, look no further than Peach Basil Iced Tea. This refreshing beverage perfectly balances the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches, the aromatic allure of fresh basil, and the familiar comfort of black tea. It’s a gorgeous showstopper for barbecues, picnics, or those afternoons when you want something more exciting than plain iced tea. Peach Basil Iced Tea is remarkably easy to make and even easier to fall in love with—one sip and you’ll want it on repeat all season!

Peach Basil Iced Tea Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the tea:
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
For the peach puree:
- 2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups ice
- Extra peach slices and basil for garnish

How to Make Peach Basil Iced Tea

Step 1: Brew the Tea

Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. Once it reaches a rolling bubble, remove it from the heat, then add your black tea bags. Let them steep for 5 minutes—this is just enough time to release their bold, refreshing flavor without turning bitter. Remove and discard the tea bags, then allow the tea to cool slightly while you move on to the next step.

Step 2: Prepare the Peach Puree

While your tea is steeping, add the sliced peaches and honey (or sugar) to a blender. Blend until perfectly smooth; if you prefer a silkier texture, you can strain the puree to remove any peach bits. The sweetness and vibrant flavor of the fruit will become the lively heart of your Peach Basil Iced Tea.

Step 3: Combine and Infuse

In a large pitcher, combine the still-warm brewed tea with the fresh peach puree and basil leaves. Gently stir everything together. The residual warmth of the tea will help open up the basil’s essential oils for an aromatic infusion. Pop the pitcher into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least an hour. This time allows the flavors to mingle and deepen, transforming ordinary iced tea into something spectacular.

Step 4: Serve Over Ice with Style

When you’re ready to quench your thirst, fill glasses generously with ice, then pour the chilled Peach Basil Iced Tea right over the top. Garnish each glass with extra peach slices and a sprig of fresh basil for a dazzling, inviting look that’s almost too pretty to drink—almost.

How to Serve Peach Basil Iced Tea

Garnishes

Never underestimate the power of a good garnish! Add a few fresh basil leaves and perfectly ripe peach slices to each glass for instant visual appeal. If you want to get fancy, try a basil leaf tucked inside a peach wedge on the rim or even a paper-thin slice of peach floating on top. These finishing touches not only look gorgeous but also offer little hints of aroma with every sip.

Side Dishes

Pair your Peach Basil Iced Tea with summery snacks like a platter of fresh fruit, lemon bars, or cucumber sandwiches. For a casual backyard gathering, it shines alongside grilled chicken, fresh salads, or a simple cheese board. This tea is versatile enough to suit everything from elegant brunches to relaxed picnics.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-ready twist, serve this iced tea in mason jars tied with twine, petite carafes on a tray of ice, or elegant highball glasses with colored straws. Want an upgrade? Add a splash of club soda for a sparkling peach basil iced tea, or freeze peach slices and basil leaves in ice cubes for café-style flair that keeps your drink cool and beautiful all day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any extra Peach Basil Iced Tea (lucky you!), keep it tightly covered in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days; after that, the basil can lose its brightness and peaches might start to cloud the tea. Give the tea a good stir before serving again to redistribute all the flavors.

Freezing

For a longer-lasting treat, pour the tea into ice cube trays and freeze. These cubes are perfect for iced tea that won’t get watered down! You can also blend frozen cubes with extra peaches for a quick, slushy-style treat on hot days.

Reheating

Since this is meant to be served cold, reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you want a warm variation, however, skip the ice and gently heat a mugful on the stovetop. The peach and basil flavors are surprisingly comforting in a cozy, hot tea version—great for rainy summer days!

FAQs

Can I use different types of tea for Peach Basil Iced Tea?

Absolutely! While black tea provides a bold base, you can easily swap in green tea for a lighter, more floral flavor, or even try an herbal blend if you prefer caffeine-free. Each variety will change the character of the drink a bit, but the peach-basil combo always shines through.

What’s the best way to sweeten this tea if I don’t want to use honey or sugar?

If you’re looking to cut refined sugar, agave syrup or a splash of maple syrup make lovely alternatives. You can also blend in a few extra peaches for additional natural sweetness.

How can I make Peach Basil Iced Tea ahead for a crowd?

This recipe doubles (or even triples) beautifully! Make a large batch a day in advance, keep it chilled, and add ice and garnishes just before serving. If you’re making it for a party, set up a DIY garnishing bar so guests can customize their glasses.

Do I need to strain the peach puree?

It’s entirely up to you. Straining gives the tea a smoother, more refined texture, while leaving it unstrained adds some rustic charm and extra fiber. If you’re serving guests, you might want to strain for a more consistent look and feel.

Will the basil get bitter if it sits too long in the tea?

Basil generally imparts a lovely, gentle flavor, but after a couple days, it can lose its vibrancy or develop a slight bitterness. Enjoy your Peach Basil Iced Tea within three days for the freshest, brightest taste!

Final Thoughts

If you’re yearning for a drink that’s as invigorating as it is beautiful, you simply have to make Peach Basil Iced Tea. It’s easy, customizable, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to try it. Give it a go—and get ready to find your new favorite summer pitcher drink!

Peach Basil Iced Tea Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

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Description

This refreshing Peach Basil Iced Tea is a delightful summer beverage that combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with the herbal notes of fresh basil. Perfect for a hot day, this iced tea is easy to make and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the tea:

4 cups water
4 black tea bags

For the peach puree:

2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

2 cups ice
Extra peach slices and basil for garnish

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Instructions

Boil the water and steep the tea: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat, add tea bags, and steep for 5 minutes. Discard tea bags and let tea cool slightly.
Make the peach puree: In a blender, puree peaches with honey until smooth. Strain if you prefer a smoother texture.
Combine ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine brewed tea, peach puree, and fresh basil leaves. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to infuse.
Serve: Serve over ice, garnished with extra peach slices and basil.