As a nation of tea drinkers summer can be a frustrating time for us.  We want to have some nice cups of tea, but it’s too hot.  The solution, of course, is iced tea.  This way we’re still fulfilling our need for tea without overheating in the summer sun.  Why not try out this raspberries and basil iced tea to start off with?

Raspberries And Basil Iced Tea Recipe

This tart iced tea combines basil and raspberries to produce an amazing flavour.  It uses black tea bags and carbonated water for some extra fizz.  Or you can make it even more fun by using sparkling rose wine, a great way to get this tea party ready.

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh raspberries
• 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 black tea bags
• 1 litre carbonated water
• or 750 millilitres sparkling rose wine
• Ice cubes
• Optional: Fresh raspberries and basil leaves

Method

First, combine the raspberries, basil, sugar, and lime juice in a large saucepan, mashing up the raspberries as you go.

Cook over a medium heat, until juice is being released from the raspberries.  This should take about 7 minutes.

Next, take the saucepan off the heat, add the tea bags, and allow the tea to steep for 20 minutes.

Strain the mixture, throwing away the used tea bags and raspberry seeds.  Then transfer the tea to a pitcher, cover it, and refrigerate it until ready to serve.

Just before you want to serve the tea, slowly add the carbonated water or wine and ice.

If desired top the tea with basil and raspberries to add an extra flare.

That’s it the raspberries and basil iced tea is the perfect accompaniment for any summer garden party.

With summer upon us there’s no better time to create refreshing food and drinks to suit the weather and help cool us down!