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!
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.
Simple and delicious, just as summer drinks should be!
I can’t believe people put basil in tea! Weird flex but okay. Not for me.
I think I messed up. What does steep mean anyway? My tea taste funny lol
Honestly, I just wanted to drink some pineapple juice did not pay attention to the rest of the recipe.
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!
I followed the recipe but tasted too sweeeeet! Maybe use less honey? Or I’m just picky!
Love it! Perfect for summer BBQs! I used mint instead of basil, still delish!
It’s a bit too sweet for my taste. Might try lemon next time instead of honey.
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!
Is it weird to say I liked it, but my friends thought it was gross? 🤷♀️
Pineapple is the bestest fruit! This tea rocks!!! 🍍
Perfect for summer days! 🍍🌿 So easy to make, I just used some leftover pineapple juice. Yum!
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?!