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Chill Out with an Unusual Iced Tea Slushie Twist

Written by

GraceMorgan

in

In the relentless heat of summer, I stumbled upon a secret: blending iced tea with unexpected herbs. It turns a simple refreshment into a fragrant escape, tingling your senses with hints of basil and lemon verbena. This isn’t your typical sweet iced tea; it’s a vibrant, herbal adventure.

Using fresh herbs not only elevates flavor but also adds a layer of nostalgia, reminding me of old garden afternoons. The icy texture surprises every time, crackling softly against the roof of your mouth. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for those moments when you crave something more than just cold—something alive and surprising.

Herbal Iced Tea with Lemon Verbena and Basil

This refreshing iced tea combines brewed tea with fresh herbs like basil and lemon verbena, resulting in a fragrant, cooling beverage. The final drink has a vibrant appearance, with bright green herbs floating in the clear, icy liquid, offering a crisp and aromatic texture.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 50
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups water for brewing tea
  • 4 teabags black or green tea choice of flavor
  • 1 bunch fresh basil roughly chopped
  • 1 bunch lemon verbena or lemon balm, roughly chopped
  • to taste honey or simple syrup optional sweetener
  • ice cubes for serving ice

Equipment

  • Kettle or saucepan
  • Tea infuser or strainer
  • Mixing pitcher
  • Cloth or sieve
  • Tall glasses

Method
 

  1. Bring the water to a rolling boil in a kettle or saucepan, filling your favorite pot with about four cups of water.
  2. Place the tea bags into a mixing pitcher and pour the hot water over them, allowing the tea to steep for about 5 minutes until the liquid turns rich and fragrant.
  3. While the tea steeps, chop the fresh basil and lemon verbena roughly to release their essential oils and flavors.
  4. Remove the tea bags, then add the chopped herbs into the warm tea, stirring gently to help infuse their aroma.
  5. Let the herbal mixture cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a fridge or keep it in a cool place to chill completely, about 10 minutes.
  6. Once cooled, strain the tea through a cloth or sieve into a clean pitcher, removing the herbs to keep the beverage clear.
  7. If desired, stir in honey or simple syrup to taste, balancing the herbal freshness with a touch of sweetness.
  8. Fill tall glasses with plenty of ice cubes, then pour the chilled herbal tea over the ice, ensuring each glass is filled to the brim.
  9. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh basil or lemon verbena if you like, for an aromatic finishing touch.
  10. Serve immediately, listening for the crackle of ice and enjoying the vibrant herbal aroma with each sip.

Notes

You can customize the sweetness and herbal intensity according to your preference. For a more vibrant color, add a splash of lemon juice before serving.
Pouring this iced tea slushie into a tall glass makes me feel like I’ve bottled a fleeting moment of summer sun. It’s a refreshment that captures the season’s vibrancy, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or solo retreats on the porch. Sometimes, the simplest ideas—like herbs and ice—bring the biggest delight.

This recipe is a small reminder to experiment with flavors, even in the most familiar forms. It’s a celebration of what can happen when you step out of the usual and embrace the chaos of fresh possibilities.

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