Lemon-Basil Infused Iced Green Tea
An invigorating and bracing iced green tea infused with fresh lemon and basil for a clean, stimulating refreshment. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 15 minutes brings together green tea bags, boiling water, leaves fresh basil leaves 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 35 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
- 4 green tea bags
- 4 cups boiling water
- 10 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 4 slices lemon slices
- 2 tbsp, optional honey
- 2 cups ice cubes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour 4 cups boiling water over 4 green tea bags and 10 fresh basil leaves in a heatproof pitcher. Steep for 5 minutes until aromatic and vibrant.
- Step 2: Remove the tea bags and basil leaves, then stir in 2 tablespoons honey while the tea is still warm until fully dissolved.
- Step 3: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until chilled.
- Step 4: To serve, fill glasses with 2 cups ice cubes and pour the chilled tea over them. Garnish each glass with a fresh lemon slice for a vitalizing cold beverage.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Basil Infused Iced Green Tea 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 Lemon-Basil Infused Iced Green Tea?
Refrigerate any leftover lemon-basil infused iced green tea 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 Lemon-Basil Infused Iced Green Tea?
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 Lemon-Basil Infused Iced Green Tea 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 Lemon-Basil Infused Iced Green Tea?
General 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.
