Indo-Chinese Ginger Basil Iced Tea
Indo-Chinese Ginger Basil Iced Tea is a chilled black tea infused with ginger, basil, honey, and lemon for a bright herbal finish.
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15 mintotal
Prep 5 min · Cook 10 min
- Serves
- 2
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Spice
- Mild
Ingredients
Quantities are for 2 servings.
You'll need: Stovetop.
Includes 1 hour to chill the brewed tea base before adding lemon and serving over ice.
Method
In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the crushed ginger and let it simmer for 2 minutes to draw out its spicy flavor.
2 min
Turn off the heat. Add the black tea leaves and torn fresh basil leaves to the hot water. Cover and steep for 3 to 4 minutes.
3–4 min
Strain the infused tea into a pitcher, discarding the leaves and ginger. While the tea is still warm, stir in the honey so it dissolves effortlessly.
Let the sweetened tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it until well chilled.
Once completely chilled, stir the freshly squeezed lemon juice into the pitcher. Adding lemon to hot tea can sometimes turn it bitter.
Fill tall serving glasses with abundant ice cubes. Pour the iced tea over the ice, garnish with a lemon slice or a fresh basil sprig, and serve cold.
How to tell it's done
Crisp, cold, and fluid, featuring a sharp, zesty tang over a smooth earthy background.
Getting it right
Tip
Do not steep the black tea leaves for more than 4 minutes; the tannins can make the iced tea astringent and bitter.
What to serve it with
Pair with Indo-Chinese appetizers like chilli paneer or veg manchurian as a bright herbal cold drink.
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