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Watermelon Basil Iced Tea: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink

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Refreshing watermelon basil iced tea, perfect for hot summer days. A delightful blend of sweet watermelon, aromatic basil, and tangy lemon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups cubed seedless watermelon
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
  • 8 cups water, divided
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Ice cubes, for serving
  • Fresh basil sprigs and watermelon wedges, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Blend Watermelon: Combine watermelon and 2 cups of water in a blender until smooth.
  2. Infuse with Basil: Pour watermelon puree into a pitcher. Add basil leaves and gently muddle.
  3. Steep: Add remaining 6 cups of water. Stir, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
  4. Make Simple Syrup: Combine sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer, then remove from heat and cool completely.
  5. Strain: Strain the watermelon basil mixture through a fine-mesh sieve (lined with cheesecloth if available) into a clean pitcher. Discard solids.
  6. Add Lemon Juice: Stir in lemon juice.
  7. Sweeten: Gradually add cooled simple syrup, stirring after each addition, until desired sweetness is reached.
  8. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  9. Serve: Fill glasses with ice. Pour iced tea over ice. Garnish with basil sprigs and watermelon wedges (optional).
  10. Enjoy! Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Adjust sweetness to your preference.
  • Experiment with different herbs like mint or rosemary.
  • Add sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
  • For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the watermelon puree.
  • Use honey or agave nectar as a substitute for sugar.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • If the tea is too sweet, add more lemon juice or water.
  • If the tea is not sweet enough, add more simple syrup.
  • If the basil flavor is too strong, reduce the amount of basil leaves used.
  • If the watermelon flavor is not strong enough, use a riper watermelon or add a small amount of watermelon juice.
  • If the tea is cloudy, strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth to remove the pulp.

Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/watermelon-basil-iced-tea/