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Bright and refreshing Basil Lime Sparkling Green Tea is a great way to face the heat of summer!
Light and delicate green tea is mixed with herbal basil simple syrup and zesty lime juice for the perfect pop of flavor, then add some bubbles to make a beautifully sparkling drink. Enjoy this mocktail as is, or add a splash of vodka for a delicious cocktail.
This healthy drink is great for both adults and kids, and is perfect for graduation parties, backyard BBQs, and summer picnics.
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Summer heat
It’s been so hot lately. We drove through parts of central California last week, and it was 115° F! I needed a nice refreshing drink to help keep me cool. Heck, pretty much any hot summer day I want a refreshing beverage to keep me hydrated.
Take time to enjoy life
This is something I’m trying to do more of, take time to enjoy life. The little pleasures in life.
Life should be filled with fun. Filled with laughter, and with tasty food and drinks.
This lovely drink will help you pause and relax, refresh. Take it on a picnic. Drink it in your backyard while you sit and enjoy the weather. Drink it at a pool party. Summer doesn’t last very long, so make the most of every day.
Also be sure to check out my flu remedy drink for the colder months.
How to make
This Iced Green Tea is just the thing to sip on to refresh and hydrate you on a warm summer day. Green tea is such a classic part of Asian food, and my basil lime twist makes it fun! The flavors also go great with tuna roll sushi.
Ingredients
Just a quick look at the ingredients, and we’ll talk about substitutions later as well.
You can use any green tea here. Organic green tea, tea bags, decaf, green tea leaves, loose leaf Tea leaf, Your choice.
Use any basil you have growing in your garden; I used sweet basil for my basil syrup. Thai basil would be delicious and in keeping with the Asian theme. Lemon basil would also be great, and a nice citrus kick.
Grab your favorite sparkling beverage: Sparkling Mineral Water, Club soda, flavored sparkling water like lime, lemon, or mojito, or even a sweetened soda like Sprite.
Let’s get making
Bring water to a boil in a teapot or in the microwave.
Add tea bags to hot water and let steep according to package directions.
For a stronger taste, brew the tea a bit longer or add an extra tea bag. You will be diluting the tea, so a bit stronger is good. Let cool.
Pour chilled green tea, lime juice, and basil syrup over ice cubes and stir to mix. Top with chilled Sparkling Water.
Garnish glass with lime slices and fresh basil sprigs as desired.
Triple or quadruple the recipe, and serve it in a large pitcher to serve a crowd.
Storage
If you have any leftovers, store them in the fridge. The bubbles will go flat, but it’ll still be tasty.
The green tea base can be made ahead as well, just leave the sparkling water out until you’re ready to serve.
Changes to the recipe
This is a fun one to play around with. You can make all kinds of mocktails!
Swap the lime for oranges or lemons.
Stir in some ginger or mint. Use lavender simple syrup or lemon verbena simple syrup instead of basil
Add some honey or other sweeteners like maple syrup or brown sugar in when you brew the tea.
Make a fruit drink by adding smashed blueberries, strawberries, pineapples, or bananas.
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Recipe
Basil Lime Sparkling Green Tea
Ingredients
- 1 cup brewed green tea chilled
- ½ lime juiced
- 2 tablespoons basil syrup
- ice cubes
- Sparkling Water chilled
- lime slices and basil for garnish
Instructions
- Pour chilled green tea, lime juice, and basil syrup over ice and stir to mix. Top with chilled Sparkling Water. Garnish glass with lime slices and fresh basil sprigs as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations, and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
justine
What a dreamy post! I want this drink, i want to be at this picnic…so lovely!