Strawberry Basil Iced Tea

Name: Strawberry Basil Iced Tea
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4.0
Ingredients: 4 cups water; 4 tea bags (black or green tea); 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, lightly packed; 1/4 cup honey or sugar, adjust to taste; Ice cubes

Highlighted under: Light & Fresh

I’m not usually one for fancy drinks, but this strawberry basil iced tea caught my attention. Honestly, I stumbled upon it while looking for a way to use up an abundance of strawberries from the farmer's market. It's been my go-to for a refreshing pick-me-up during warm days, especially when entertaining friends. Plus, it’s super easy to make, and I bet you've got most of the ingredients hanging around your kitchen.

Created by

The Simplecooktips Team

Last updated on 2026-05-20T22:34:18.739Z

What Makes This Stand Out

The mix of strawberry and basil is a refreshing twist
Super easy to make with just a few ingredients
Perfect for impressing guests without much effort

The Secret to This Strawberry Basil Iced Tea

What I love about this drink is how the fruity sweetness of strawberries meshes with the earthy notes of basil. It’s such a refreshing combo that usually surprises guests. I often use whatever strawberries I have on hand from my latest trip to the farmer's market, but don’t sweat it if they’re a little overripe; they still do just fine in this recipe.

The key is to pick basil leaves that are bright and fragrant. They add a lovely aromatic touch to the tea. Sometimes, I give the leaves a little smack before adding them to release even more of their smell—a neat little tip I picked up doing this kind of thing at home!

Ingredients

Ingredients for Strawberry Basil Iced Tea

4 cups water
4 tea bags (black or green tea)
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
1/4 cup honey or sugar, adjust to taste
Ice cubes

Instructions

Brew the Tea

In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove it from heat and add the tea bags. Let them steep for about 5 minutes, then take them out. If you want a stronger tea, feel free to leave them in a bit longer.

Prepare the Strawberries

While your tea is steeping, wash and slice the strawberries. If they're super sweet, you might want to skip the sweetener, but I usually do add some honey or sugar to get the flavors going.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large pitcher, combine the brewed tea with the sliced strawberries and basil leaves. If you're using honey or sugar, stir it in now. I find it easier to dissolve the sweetener while the tea is still warm.

Chill It

Let the mixture cool down a bit at room temperature before popping the pitcher in the fridge. It needs at least an hour to really chill and let those flavors mingle. If you’re in a hurry, you can use ice cubes but it might dilute the tea a bit.

Serve and Enjoy

When you're ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the tea over. Give it a little stir because sometimes the strawberries float. It’s refreshing, and I promise you’ll want to make this again!

How to Store Strawberry Basil Iced Tea

This iced tea can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure to keep it in a covered pitcher so it doesn't pick up any fridge odors. I've found that the flavors continue to develop a bit over time, so don't be surprised if it tastes a little different on the second day. Honestly, I sometimes use a tight-lid jar to keep individual servings of tea ready to go, too—it’s super convenient.

I wouldn’t recommend freezing it, though. The texture tends to change, and the strawberries can lose their charm after thawing. Definitely better fresh!

Ways to Switch It Up

Feeling a bit adventurous? You can play with the types of tea used. While black and green tea are my go-tos, herbal teas like chamomile or mint can change the whole vibe. I tried it with peppermint once and it was really refreshing!

If you want to add a bit of zing, consider throwing in some lemon juice or even slices of cucumber—both provide a nice contrast. Sometimes I’ll toss in a few sprigs of mint if I have it on hand, just to keep things interesting.

And if you’re short on fresh strawberries, frozen ones work nicely in a pinch. Just toss them in as they are; they’ll break down a bit when mixed with the warm tea, adding some lovely color and a little extra sweetness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

You can, but they might make your tea a bit more watery as they thaw. I usually stick to fresh ones, but it's a good backup option!

→ How long can I store this tea?

Honestly, it’s best fresh, but it can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. The basil flavor will get stronger, though, so you might want to adjust the amount next time.

→ Can I make this without sugar?

Definitely! You can skip the sweetener entirely or use a sugar alternative like stevia. Just taste as you go to find a balance that works for you.

→ What other herbs can I use?

Mint also works really well with strawberries! I think a combo of mint and basil could be really refreshing, so feel free to experiment a little.