Basil Iced Tea Recipe
Lemon balm and Lavender Iced Tea
INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENTS
8 cups water 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice 3 tablespoon agave or other sweetener of choice (or 18 drops of liquid stevia) 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger Slices of lemon or lime
1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, chopped OR 1 tablespoon dried leaves 1 tablespoon fresh lavender buds OR 2 teaspoons dried buds 2 cups hot water
2 cups cold water and ice Fresh lemon for garnish
METHOD
METHOD
Blend all but the slices of fresh fruit in a blender, strain liquid through a nut/milk bag or fine sieve. Adjust sweetness. Pour into tall glasses and garnish with sliced fruit. Enjoy!
Steep lemon balm and lavender in hot (80- to 90-degree) water about three minutes. Add cold water and ice to taste.
Fresh Mint Iced Tea
Chamomile Lemonade
INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENTS
1 large handful fresh mint leaves (about 1/2 ounce) 8 cups plus 1/2 cup filtered water 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 vanilla bean or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
3/4 cup unbleached cane sugar 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest 5 tablespoons chamomile flowers 3⁄4 cup lemon juice lemon slice, for garnish
METHOD (two methods)
METHOD
Wash mint leaves and remove stems. Place in a heatproof bowl. Boil 8 cups of water and pour over mint; cover and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain, reserving mint leaves. Transfer tea to a pitcher or glass jar and refrigerate until ready to serve. Place strained mint leaves in a small saucepan along with sugar and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a simmer; cover and steep for 10 minutes, then strain and discard solids. Transfer to a small jar or bottle and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Combine sugar, lemon zest, and 2 cups water in saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat, and add chamomile flowers. Cool. Strain chamomile mixture into 2-qt. pitcher; stir in lemon juice and 3 cups water. Serve over ice with lemon slices, or store, covered, in refrigerator up to 5 days.
Looking to bring these drinks from daytime to
nighttime? Try adding a touch of whiskey to anything mint- or basil- based, and vodka to more floral teas. Believe me, it’s delicious. Why drink vodka soda when you can have vodka with lemon balm and lavender iced tea?
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