There’s nothing better than fresh lemonade on a warm day, especially when it has hints of sweet honey and basil. This lemonade is a bit different than most because it boasts black tea, turning it into an Arnold Palmer! Whether you’ve made sun tea by steeping your tea out in the sun or made it the traditional way (which is definitely faster, we’ll admit) this brew is fabulous for an afternoon tea snack with fresh fruit.
Sips by is a personalized tea discovery subscription. Each month, we match tea drinkers across the U.S. with delicious teas from over 150 global tea brands that we’re sure they’ll love. Members receive 4 teas chosen just for them in every box. Learn more about our tea subscription service.
SUNKISSED HONEY BASIL LEMONADE
Makes 4-6 glasses // Prep Time: 15 minutes - 1 hour // Active Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 2-3 rounded tsp loose leaf or 2-3 sachets/bags black tea
- 3 cups filtered water
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 10-12 lemons)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- A pinch of sea salt
- Sprigs of fresh basil for garnish
- 4-6 shots of vodka or gin (optional)
- Ice cubes
Directions
You can either make tea the traditional way or since the weather is getting hotter outside, you can make sun tea! The traditional way, as you may know goes like this - Heat the water to around 212°F and steep tea for 3-5 minutes. Remove (strain) tea and let cool to room temperature (about 15 minutes). You can also add ice to your tea here to help it cool down faster!
On the other hand, to make sun tea - Get a large pitcher or container that has been thoroughly scrubbed in warm, soapy water and even extra cleaned by being dipped into a bleach-water solution of 1/2 - 1 tbsp bleach per gallon of water. Once your container has been thoroughly cleaned and rinsed, add in the water and tea. Set it out in the sun for about an hour, then bring it in and strain (remove) the tea, and refrigerate immediately. Please be sure to monitor your tea and bring it in after an hour or two hours tops so your tea is safe! Now that your tea is ready, on to the next step!
In a blender combine the lemon juice, honey, basil leaves, and salt and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher and discard the basil leaves. Add in the tea and a handful of ice cubes and stir well. Serve over ice, and add in a shot of vodka or gin to each glass if you're feeling boozy. Garnish with a sprig of basil and enjoy!
LEMON TEA SHOP
Feel rejuvenated with every sip of bright lemon tea. Infused with a light lemon essence, lemongrass, or lemon peel, these zingy teas are for true citrus lovers. Whether you're looking to make delicious iced lemon teas in the summer, healthy lemon teas for cold and sore throat relief, or a calming lemon herbal blend for nighttime, Sips by's Lemon Tea Shop has the perfect lemon tea for every teatime occasion.
Interested in trying these teas and others? Subscribers receive 4 teas chosen just for them in every box. Learn more about our tea subscription box or explore the loose leaf tea shop.
About Sips by: We’re a female-founded and led startup that makes discovering tea fun, personalized, and affordable. The Sips by Box is the only multi-brand, personalized tea subscription box. Each month, we match tea drinkers across the U.S. with delicious teas from over 150 global tea brands that we’re sure they’ll love. Based out of Austin, Texas, we are adept at savoring a hot mug even when it’s seasonally inappropriate.
