Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Homemade Basil Ginger Green Tea (iced)

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Around our house we are always looking for healthy and refreshing beverages so I decided to put together something easy and yummy that made use of things that I had on hand in kitchen and in the garden... iced basil ginger green tea.


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We drink A LOT of green tea so I knew I wanted to use it for this drink.
I started by brewing a pot.

If you do not have loose leaf, use green tea bags.


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Just a quick side story-

See this hot 4.0L water dispenser above? Well, last Christmas my husband bought it for me along with a traditional cast iron tea set and TONS of different varieties of loose leaf green tea.

When I opened it I up I looked at him and said, "Um...I don't drink tea and I really don't think I need a giant hot water dispenser."

I KNOW! How ungrateful was I?

His reply, was, "Alisa you just don't know that you need it yet, your are going to love drinking tea, I promise that you will use it every day."

As much as I hate to admit it, he was right- this hot water dispenser and tea pot gets used every single day and I can't imagine my routine with out freshly brewed green tea!


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Anyway...after brewing a pot of tea, I chopped fresh ginger and dropped it into a pot of simmering water for about 10-12 minutes.
Note- fresh ginger is strong and has a spicy flavor to it- I used about 6-7 piece for a nice medium flavor.


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I strained the ginger tea into a pitcher.


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and added the green tea.


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I added a squeeze or two of honey


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and a squeeze of lemon.


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I stirred the everything and put it in the fridge to cool.


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While I we typically drink tea simple and plain, I decided to make it a little special to go with dinner.
I rimmed the glasses with a little organic sugar.


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I dropped in ice cubes.


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I picked thai basil from the garden- Thai basil has a slightly minty licorice flavor.


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and added it to each glass.


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I filled the glasses with tea and topped with a basil flower for garnish.


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SO yummy- light and sweet with a little spice.

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17 comments:

K said...

The final effect is really lovely.

Dani said...

Wow! I'm going to have to try this. I absolutely love green tea. I usually make it in the sun though (the only thing the weather in AZ is good for!). I wish I had a machine like that though. Ah.

But the result is beautiful!

whyducks said...

Sounds good, I have never heard of Thai basil in England though.

Lynda said...

Sounds yummy and looks beautiful :)

{Sarah} said...

OMG that looks delicious AND adorable, can't beat that ;)

Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

Looka beautiful and delicious! I love basil. I love how your husband knows you so well! How sweet is that?

Unknown said...

Yum! We need to have this tonight I think. If only so we can use our rapidly multiplying basil! {we have some lime basil that should work really well}

Anonymous said...

Yum! looks very refreshing.. what brand of machine is that, very cool.. and handy.. I drink alot of tea too....

thank you for your inspiring blog

Carol in sunny and hot Georgia

Lyric said...

sigh. what a lovely thing - to simply enjoy a process and the result.

I'm at the point in my life where I'm just happy if most of the kids don't cry when I set it on the table. I did make some amazingly lovely eggplant stacks (marinated eggplant, grilled, baked with pesto, tomato, fresh mozzarella) yesterday - and ate them by myself. How on earth I got so many picky eaters I'll never know. And no - they aren't required to eat what I put out, but they don't get anything else either. Sigh.

I'll just enjoy watching your joy in it - it makes me smile. Thanks.

Flying Whale said...

this tea is gorgeous! i definitely have to try out your recipe... thanks for sharing! :)

Nelda Ream said...

YUMM!! And it looks beautiful, too!

Debbie said...

Sounds delicious and it is gorgeous to look at! Glad I found your blog...very interesting...I enjoy coming here! Stop by anytime!

dandaworld said...

Very yummy!!! Thank you so much for the recipe, I'll try it and bring with myself during my next trip. I want to add that your blog is wonderful with your photos and ideas... It's a long time I started to follow it and I can't stop now! :Danda (from Italy)

Melly Testa said...

Yumdidly!

paigehermreckphoto said...

sounds delicious! love the blog!! :) your so creative1

Carol B said...

wow! You really put on the tea. What a wonderful hubby to know what you need before you knew you needed it.

kathryn said...

would you kindly share the name of the hot water dispenser? I use an electric kettle. I love kitchen "gadget" and this is one I would use often. Thank you for sharing your gifts, talents and inspiration - have enjoyed reading your blog and taking ONE class. I'm lining up for me. Your work makes me smile!

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