Pineapple and Basil Iced Tea is a tropical-inspired beverage that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the fragrant, savory notes of fresh basil, creating a refreshing and unique drink perfect for hot summer days. This iced tea is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, offering a burst of flavors that dance on your taste buds.
The key to this drink’s allure is the balance between the tropical sweetness of pineapple and the herbal freshness of basil. Pineapple, with its natural sugars and tang, pairs beautifully with the earthy, slightly peppery taste of basil, making each sip an enjoyable experience. The iced tea base can be either black tea or green tea, depending on your preference, providing a light yet flavorful backdrop for the vibrant fruit and herb combination.
Making Pineapple and Basil Iced Tea is simple. Start by brewing your chosen tea and letting it cool to room temperature. Blend fresh pineapple until smooth, then strain to remove any pulp. Once the tea and pineapple juice are ready, mix them together in a large pitcher and add fresh basil leaves, gently muddling them to release their oils. Sweeten with honey or agave to taste and chill the mixture in the refrigerator. Serve over ice and garnish with a sprig of basil and a slice of pineapple for an extra tropical touch.
Not only is this iced tea refreshing, but it’s also packed with vitamins and antioxidants from both the pineapple and basil. It’s a perfect drink for summer gatherings, pool parties, or simply enjoying a relaxing afternoon on the porch.
Popularity of Iced Tea
Pineapple and Basil Iced Tea is popular in tropical regions where pineapples grow abundantly, such as Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The combination of the sweet and tangy pineapple with the refreshing herbal notes of basil creates a unique and exotic flavor profile that is loved by many.
Nutritional Value
Iced Tea not only tastes great but also offers various health benefits. Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, manganese, and bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion. Basil is packed with antioxidants, vitamins A and K, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Together, they create a thirst-quenching beverage that is not only delicious but also good for you.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 bags tea bags
- 1/2 cup Basil leaves fresh
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- ice cubes
- slices Pineapple for garnish
- Basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Remove from heat; add tea bags and basil leaves. Let steep for 5 minutes.
- Discard tea bags and basil leaves. Stir in pineapple juice and honey. Chill for at least 2 hours.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour tea mixture over ice. Garnish with pineapple slices and basil leaves.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
So easy to make! My kids loved making it with me, too.
I’m not a fan of tea, but this was actually pretty good! The pineapple juice made it nice!
Just 2 ingredients, water and tea, right? No honey or anything, just make it easy!
I don’t get why people are so into basil. It just don’t seem to belong in tea. Didn’t like it.
The directions were confusing. What’s steeping? Couldn’t get it right!
Steeping just means letting the tea sit in hot water to soak up the flavor! It can be tricky if you’ve never done it before. Don’t worry, you’ll get it right next time!
I had trouble with this too! Maybe they should explain it better. I just let it sit longer than 5 mins to get more taste.
I think the basil ruins it. Pineapple alone should be enough. Just saying.
I totally disagree! The basil adds such a fresh taste. You must try it again!
Nah, I think it needs something more. Pineapple is nice, but it gets too sweet without the basil.
Super delicious! I added some mint too, and it turned out amazing! Definitely making again! 🥳
Simple and delicious, just as summer drinks should be!
I can’t drink tea. This is a dumb recipe. Who drinks tea with pineapple???
I actually love pineapple in tea! It adds a sweet twist. You should give it a try before calling it dumb!
This is an amazing recipe! I never thought to combine basil and pineapple, but it’s so refreshing!
I forgot to chill! Sipped it warm, still okay. Just not cold. Bummer.
I totally get it! Warm tea can still be refreshing in its own way. Next time, chill it longer!
Who forgets to chill iced tea? lol. But I’m sure it still tasted good! Just don’t make it a habit.
I can’t believe people put basil in tea! Weird flex but okay. Not for me.
Pineapple with tea? Sounds weird but tasted good! Who knew?
I think I messed up. What does steep mean anyway? My tea taste funny lol
Hmm, I don’t know about basil in tea. Sounds weird…could be good tho?
Honestly, I just wanted to drink some pineapple juice did not pay attention to the rest of the recipe.
I didn’t have fresh basil, so I used dried. It didn’t taste the same. Lesson learned!
Not my favorite. The basil was too overpowering for me. I prefer plain iced tea.
I totally get where you’re coming from! Basil can be intense. Maybe try using less next time? Or even skip it entirely!
Who knew basil could be so nice with drinks?! Gonna make again for sure!
I know right? It’s like a flavor explosion! Basil is so underrated in drinks. 🙌
This iced tea is absolutely refreshing! The pineapple and basil combo is genius. Will definitely make again.
Sounds good, but I don’t like basil in tea. Can it taste fine without it? I’m skeptical.
I totally agree! The pineapple gives it such a fruity twist. I never thought basil would work like this, but it really does. Best iced tea ever!
This recipe is too long! I want fast ideas, not think too much. But it tastes guud!
I get it! It does take some time, but the flavor is worth it. Maybe prep it ahead and enjoy later?
Too long? You could just dunk the tea bags in water and skip the basil! Just sayin’.
Awesome summer drink! I swapped honey for brown sugar, and it was great!
I followed the recipe but tasted too sweeeeet! Maybe use less honey? Or I’m just picky!
Too much honey! I like it better less sweet. Next time i’ll cut back.
Love it! Perfect for summer BBQs! I used mint instead of basil, still delish!
Absolutely delicious! The basil adds a unique twist to the typical iced tea. My guests loved it!
I added mint too, and it was super refreshing! Can’t wait for summer parties.
It’s a bit too sweet for my taste. Might try lemon next time instead of honey.
Is it even tea if there is no caffeine? I prefer black tea but I guess this was okay.
It was okay, but a bit too sweet for my liking. Maybe less honey next time?
I think you might be onto something! I love honey, but too much can really overpower the drink. Maybe try just a couple of tablespoons? 😊
This was an epic fail for me. The basil just ruined everything, ugh!
This iced tea is a game changer! The basil adds such a unique flavor, and it’s super refreshing. A must-try!
I don’t like basil in tea, it’s like adding grass to my drink! Didn’t enjoy this at all.
Wait, can you really boil basil? I thought it had to stay fresh! Anyway, I made it, and it’s kinda okay, I guess.
You can indeed boil basil! It releases its flavor, but be careful not to overdo it. Glad you tried it, though! Pineapple and basil sounds like a weird combo, but I’m intrigued!
Yum! but my husband thinks basil belongs in pasta lol. He didn’t like it.
Not sure about the basil part. I made it and my family thought it tasted weird. Pineapple juice should be enough flavor!
I think the basil adds a nice touch! Maybe you just used too much? Everyone likes different things.
This is a really refreshing drink for summer! Loved it!
Eh, it tastes okay. But I really don’t like pineapple. Probably will not make it again.
I get it, pineapple isn’t for everyone! Maybe try a different fruit juice next time?
Pineapple? Gross! Should’ve used lemon or orange. This recipe ain’t good at all.
SOOOO good! The honey adds the perfect amount of sweetness. I’ll make this all summer long.
I’m glad you liked it! The honey really does make a difference. I added a bit of mint too, it was great!
Is honey really needed? Can’t I just use sugar? Just wondering.
Is it weird to say I liked it, but my friends thought it was gross? 🤷♀️
Pineapple is the bestest fruit! This tea rocks!!! 🍍
Awesome drink! I added a splash of soda for fizz. Next level, trust me!
I didn’t have basil, so I used mint instead. Still tasted good, but idk if that’s the same?
Followed the recipe, but my tea came out too strong. What did I do wrong?
This tea is so refreshing! I never thought to add basil, but it’s a game changer! My new summer drink!
I totally agree! The basil really adds a unique flavor. Perfect for hot days!
So easy to make! I brought it to a BBQ and it was gone in minutes!
That sounds amazing! I think I’ll try making it for my next get-together. Thanks for sharing!
I dunno, does tea really go with pineapple? Sounds kinda weird. I might just stick to regular iced tea.
Simple and delicious. Even my kids loved it!
Perfect for summer days! 🍍🌿 So easy to make, I just used some leftover pineapple juice. Yum!
This tea is so refreshing! Perfect for summer days. Everyone loved it at our picnic! 🌞
Made this for my kids, they loved it. We ran out fast!
But how do you know it’s actually good? Just because they drank it doesn’t mean they liked it, right?
Sounds delicious! I think I’ll make it for my kids too. Thanks for sharing!
Ever tried adding ginger? It might add some kick! Just a thought.
Ginger sounds great! I love a bit of spice in my drinks. I’ll definitely give it a try. Thanks!
Ginger? Really? I don’t know about that. Seems like it would make it taste weird. I think I’ll stick to the recipe.
Yum! Pineapple goes well with everything! I might try this with other fruits too!
Not sure if pineapple goes with tea tho… sounds weird.
Absolutely! I love pineapple in drinks. Let me know what other fruits you try!
I tried this but it didn’t taste good to me. Maybe I overcooked the water? Not sure.
I enjoyed the flavor! Basil is it! Who would have thought? #mindblown
Wow! Just wow! I didn’t think basil could go with pineapple. Who knew?!
This was not what I expected. I thought the basil would be too strong but it was just right.
It’s iced tea, how hard could it be? But really, I found it too sweet. Maybe less honey next time?
yuck. tasted like grass with sugar. maybe basil not for drink?
OMG this was so good!!! My guests loved it, and I felt so fancy. Will definitely make again!
Recipe was ok, but didn’t have enough flavor. Liked the idea, but needs some tweaking.
I totally agree! It needs more oomph for sure. Maybe add some lemon juice or a pinch of salt? That might help!