Ginger-Lime Iced Green Tea with Basil
A revitalizing iced green tea infused with zesty lime, fresh ginger, and aromatic basil leaves to awaken your senses. This recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, brings together green tea bags, fresh ginger root, lime juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 40 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 green tea bags
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger root
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 10 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp honey
- 4 cups (960ml) water
- 2 cups ice cubes
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 cups (960ml) of water to a boil, then remove from heat and add 3 green tea bags along with 1 inch piece of peeled and thinly sliced fresh ginger root. Steep for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Remove the tea bags and ginger slices, then stir in 2 tablespoons of honey while the tea is still warm until fully dissolved.
- Step 3: Add 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice and 10 fresh basil leaves to the tea, then allow to cool to room temperature.
- Step 4: Once cooled, strain out the basil leaves and pour the tea over 2 cups of ice cubes in a large pitcher or individual glasses.
- Step 5: Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves and thin lime slices for a refreshing, invigorating beverage.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ginger-Lime Iced Green Tea with Basil take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Ginger-Lime Iced Green Tea with Basil?
Refrigerate any leftover ginger-lime iced green tea with basil in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ginger-Lime Iced Green Tea with Basil?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Ginger-Lime Iced Green Tea with Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Ginger-Lime Iced Green Tea with Basil?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
