I Must Have Flowers Always and Always - Claude Monet
Today I'd like to highlight one of my favorite iced tea recipes. It has evolved over time and changes sometimes with the seasons. In the summer months, fresh basil is easy to grow and can be found in most garden centers or grocery stores. If growing in the dirt and outside, it is more than likely that your basil will flower.
When this happens it's important to pick the basil flowers and budding stems regularly so that your basil can continue to produce leaves all season long. Because of this helpful gardening tip, I found myself with plenty of basil flowers throughout the season to make overwhelming amounts of fresh basil pesto and this wonderful and purposeful tea to to enjoy all summer long!
Brewed with a base of green tea, I add hibiscus and rose buds for a wonderfully floral flavor that also speaks true of added health benefits for the body. The stunning soft pink color looks great in a pitcher and can be a fun way to serve to guests when hosting—or just for you at home.
This tea blend is caffeine free, packed with antioxidants, and may fight off bad bacterial in the intestinal tract due to the healing properties of the flowers. The scent is calming and light, making it a great afternoon drink for kids and adults alike! Drink as is, or sweeten with agave, honey, raw sugar, or any natural sweeter of your choice. While the tea is still warm and finished brewing on the stove, pour back into your serving pitcher and feel free to add fresh orange slices! It looks beautiful and tastes great too.
Chill in the fridge for about 30 min or let cool at room temp for about an hour. Fill individual glasses with ice and enjoy the relaxing and beneficial properties of this blend.
What You Will Need:
- Tea sachet or basket or infuser (to hold flowers)
- 5 green tea bags
- 3 tbs hibiscus flowers, dried
- 10-15 pieces rose buds, dried
- 3-5 fresh stems of basil flowers and buds (basil leaf okay to add too!)
- Serving Pitcher or carafe
- Fresh orange, sliced
- Ice, for serving
- 4 tbs sweetener, agave or honey (to taste)
*Optional Superfood Boosters*
- 1.5 tsp Ashwagandha, powdered or brewed whole root about 1" worth
- 1" Fresh ginger root, sliced
Directions:
Fill large serving pitcher to the top with fresh, cold water. Some will cook down so be sure to add a bit more than you would typically serve. Pour water into a pot and heat on the stove until boiling. While waiting for the water, fill your sachet or infuser with hibiscus and rose bud flowers. Once the water comes to a boil add your tea bags and filled tea sachet. Steep under a gentle boil for about 5 minutes or until the color of your water is deep pink. Turn temperature down to a simmer, add your fresh basil flowers, and let the tea infuse for another 10 to 15 minutes on the lowest setting. Turn off the heat. Strain out any loose tea with a spoon, and add orange slices and any sweetener you like. Allow to cool at least 5 minutes before adding to your pitcher. Place in the fridge to let cool, or leave out if that feels right for you. Put on your favorite playlist, kick up your feet, serve on ice and enjoy!
Notes:
Your tea will be stronger depending on how large your pitcher is and what your water to dried tea ratio is. My serving pitcher can hold about 8 cups or over 60 ounces of water. Feel free to adjust your quantity accordingly. Play with what works with you and have fun doing it, this will be delicious and light given the natural flavors and no way is wrong.
Biodegradable Tea sachets or Tea infusers can be ordered online but if you want to make this tea without a holder you can simply add loose tea to your boiling water. Just be sure to strain out once pouring into your serving pitcher so you don't mistakenly swallow any of the dried flowers or herbs ~ choking on dried flowers would not be a zen moment! Please be mindful of this : )
What to jazz up your tea experience?! Add this already chilled tea blend in your fanciest cocktail glass to enjoy at any time of the day! Its never to early (or too late!) to feel a bit extra—and fabulous—all of the time!
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