Homemade Basil Ginger Green Tea (iced)

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.

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.

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!

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.

I strained the ginger tea into a pitcher.

and added the green tea.

I added a squeeze or two of honey

and a squeeze of lemon.

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

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.

I dropped in ice cubes.

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

and added it to each glass.

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

SO yummy- light and sweet with a little spice.