Peach Basil Iced Tea

Name: Peach Basil Iced Tea
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups water; 3 tablespoons loose black tea or 3 tea bags; 2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/4 cup honey or sugar (to taste); Ice cubes; Lemon slices and basil sprigs for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Simple Recipes

I absolutely love making Peach Basil Iced Tea on warm sunny afternoons. The refreshing combination of sweet peaches and aromatic basil creates a delightful drink that’s perfect for sipping while lounging outside. Whether I'm hosting friends or just enjoying some quiet time, this iced tea is always a hit. With its beautiful golden hue and inviting fragrance, it not only tastes fantastic but also adds a lovely touch to any gathering. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, and the flavors meld together beautifully, making it the ideal summer beverage.

Created by

Jackies

Last updated on 2026-02-06T16:33:27.318Z

When I first tried making Peach Basil Iced Tea, I was amazed by how simple it was to elevate a classic iced tea. By steeping fresh basil leaves with the tea, I discovered how the herbal notes lifted the sweetness of the ripe peaches. This unique pairing has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during the summer months.

I learned that chilling the tea in the fridge for at least an hour really helps the flavors meld together. It’s a little tip that ensures every sip is infused with that delicious peach-basil essence, making each glass simply irresistible!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Refreshing blend of juicy peaches and fragrant basil
Ideal balance of sweetness and herbal flavors
Perfect for parties, picnics, or a relaxing day at home

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star ingredients of this Peach Basil Iced Tea are ripe peaches and fresh basil. Choosing the right peaches is crucial; look for ones that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch, indicating their ripeness. These peaches will bring out the natural sweetness in the tea. If you’re unable to find fresh peaches, frozen ones can be a great alternative. Just make sure to thaw and slice them before adding them to your tea, as they’ll still provide that delicious peach flavor.

Basil adds an aromatic depth to the tea that beautifully balances the sweetness of peaches. It's best to use fresh basil for the brightest flavor. Gently bruising the leaves—by pressing them with the back of a spoon or your fingers—can help release their essential oils, resulting in a more vibrant infusion. If you want to experiment, try substituting basil with mint for a different flavor profile.

Perfecting the Brewing Process

Steeping time can significantly affect the flavor of your iced tea. For this recipe, 5 minutes is ideal for extracting the robust essence of black tea without introducing bitterness. Keep an eye on the color; the tea should turn a rich amber hue. If you're using loose leaf tea, consider a fine mesh strainer to catch any small particles while pouring, ensuring a smooth iced tea experience.

Cooling the mixture before refrigerating is not just a precaution; it’s essential to achieve the best flavor blend. Allowing the tea to cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes helps the flavors marry before chilling. This waiting period means that when you finally take a sip, the flavors of peach and basil will be beautifully cohesive rather than distinct or separate.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your refreshing Peach Basil Iced Tea:

Ingredients

4 cups water
3 tablespoons loose black tea or 3 tea bags
2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup honey or sugar (to taste)
Ice cubes
Lemon slices and basil sprigs for garnish (optional)

Once you have your ingredients ready, you're all set to make this delightful iced tea!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to brew your Peach Basil Iced Tea:

Boil the Water

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.

Steep the Tea

Once boiling, remove from heat and add the black tea. Let it steep for 5 minutes.

Prepare the Peaches and Basil

While the tea is steeping, slice the peaches and gently bruise the basil leaves to release their flavor.

Combine Ingredients

Remove the tea bags or strain the loose tea, then stir in the sliced peaches, basil, and honey (or sugar) until dissolved.

Chill

Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Serve

Serve the iced tea over ice cubes and garnish with lemon slices and basil sprigs if desired.

Enjoy your refreshing Peach Basil Iced Tea!

Pro Tips

For an extra special touch, you can add a splash of sparkling water just before serving for a delightful fizziness.

Serving Suggestions

This Peach Basil Iced Tea is fantastic served straight up, but you can elevate the presentation by using mason jars or clear glass pitchers. They showcase the lovely golden color and floating basil leaves, creating an inviting look. For an extra touch, add a splash of sparkling water to give it a bubbly twist; just be mindful not to overpower the delicate peach and basil flavors.

If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving this tea alongside a selection of light snacks, like cucumber sandwiches or cheese platters, which pair nicely with its sweet and herbal notes. A tasteful garnish of whole basil leaves or a thin slice of peach on the rim of the glass not only enhances the visual appeal but also signals the refreshing flavors inside.

Storage and Variations

If you make a larger batch, this Peach Basil Iced Tea can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, the basil flavor may start to mellow over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. You can also freeze any leftovers in ice cube trays. These cubes are perfect for chilling future glasses of iced tea without diluting the flavor.

Feel free to get creative with variations of this iced tea. Substitute the black tea with green tea or even herbal teas for different flavor bases. Incorporating additional fruits like strawberries or raspberries can add a fun twist. Try adjusting the sweetness to your preference or adding a hint of lemon juice for a zesty finish—play around to find your ideal summer refresher!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just let them thaw slightly before adding them for the best flavor.

→ How long can I store the iced tea in the fridge?

You can store the iced tea in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify over time.

→ Can I make this tea without sugar?

Absolutely! You can omit sugar completely or replace it with a sugar substitute to fit your preference.

→ Is there a recommended tea type?

Black tea works best, but you can experiment with green tea or herbal blends for different flavors.