Blackberry and Basil Iced Green Tea

Spring is officially here and I am feeling the need for some Iced Green Tea. I for one have been super excited for Spring to arrive, but now that it’s here, I remember I really have a love/hate relationship with the season. I love the flowers, the birds, the veggie patches in full-on production mode, and the fact that my 3 year old can play soccer every weekend without being frozen on the spot. Seriously what is cuter than a group of 3 year olds running aimlessly after a ball? I dare you to not have your mood lifted by the sight of that 🙂

What I don’t love are the allergies…seriously! I don’t know what it is about Northern California (the dryness?), but I have never had allergies in my life, and then I moved here and BOOM! The struggle is real.

Anyway, that’s enough negativity on this glorious spring day (as my eyes itch like crazy and I can no longer see the keyboard…). My absolute favourite thing about the warmer weather is being able to eat outdoors again. I am all about the simple things in life these days, and eating lunch on a picnic blanket, or dinner in the backyard is absolute bliss in my books. So fun. Throw in some Iced Green Tea, and I am one happy girl 🙂

The Republic of Tea have recently launched a new organic ‘SuperGreen’ line of teas, and were gracious enough to send me some samples to try out. The teabags combine organic green tea leaves with organic matcha tea leaves, along with a selection of herbs to make for a delicious flavour pop. Now you know I love me some matcha (just check out my Matcha Chai Latte or Matcha Fudge), so of course I am a big fan of being able to easily integrate some into my afternoon cuppa 🙂

With the hotter weather (seriously, it has already hit 90 this season, I am kinda getting scared for the summer heat), I like to take my tea in the form of an icy cold drink. And that’s where this delicious Blackberry and Basil Iced Green Tea comes in. I make up a big batch and have it on hand in the fridge to sip throughout the day. Bonus: having a big jug of iced green tea already made up makes it easier to keep up your water intake for the day – I don’t know about you, but that’s something I really struggle with, especially in the hotter months.

Any green tea you have on hand can be used here, however I used the Brain Boost from Republic of Tea, so I could get my matcha kick, and a nice little pop of blackcurrant in the background. It’s fantastic.

(I did not receive any monetary compensation from the Republic of Tea or any of their associates to promote this product. I just use the teas and really like them.)

Mix up the flavours with what you have on hand. Blueberry and basil are just as delicious strawberry and basil. No basil? Experiment with some mint, thyme, lavender or whatever else you think might work. If your experiment doesn’t work, just use the tea as the liquid in your next smoothie and you won’t waste a thing!

How do you drink your Iced Green Tea? I would love to hear from you, so be sure to leave a comment below 🙂 Have a great week!

5 from 4 votes

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Blackberry and Basil Iced Green Tea

Prep Time

15 mins

Total Time

15 mins

 

Servings: 6 serves

Ingredients

• 6-8 cups not quite boiling water depending on how strong you like your tea
• 3 bags green tea I used Brain Boost from Republic of Tea
• 1/4 cup pure raw honey sub maple syrup if vegan
• 3 leaves stems fresh basil removed
• 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
• slices Ice and fresh lemon to serve optional

Instructions

1. Bring water close to a boil (remove from heat or switch off just before boiling). Add the tea bags to the water and steep for about 10 mins
2. Remove the tea bags and stir in the honey whilst the mixture is still warm
3. Pop the basil leaves and blackberries into a serving jug, and use the end of a wooden spoon to gently muddle them together (you don't want to be too rough, we just want a nice little infusion of flavour to be released)
4. Pour the tea mixture over the basil mixture and let the whole thing cool to room temperature. Once cooled, pop into the fridge until ready to serve
5. To serve: Pop a few ice cubes into a glass, pour the tea over the ice and garnish with a slice of lemon (i usually squeeze a little bit of lemon into the glass as well for an extra pop of flavour)