Chamomile-Basil Iced Tea with Citrus Zest
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Calming, fragrant, and kissed with lemon light
📜 Introduction: Rooted, Present, and Honest
Some garden blends feel like a breath of calm. This tea brings together chamomile’s soft floral notes with fresh basil and a twist of citrus — a combination that settles the soul while gently waking the senses.
It’s peaceful without being sleepy, bright without being sharp. A gentle iced tea for slow days, porch afternoons, or moments when you just need to exhale.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses simple, calming herbs — many straight from the garden
- Naturally caffeine-free and lightly sweetened
- Beautiful balance of floral, herbal, and citrus
- Easy to make ahead and perfect for sipping all day
- Great for relaxing evenings or gentle summer hospitality
⏱ Quick Reference Snapshot
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Steep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1–2 hours
- Total Time: ~1.5 hours
- Servings: 4–6
- Dietary Info: Caffeine-free, gluten-free, vegan option
Key Ingredients at a Glance:
- Chamomile (loose or tea bags)
- Fresh basil
- Citrus zest (lemon, orange, or both)
- Honey or maple syrup
🧺 Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 2 Tbsp loose dried chamomile or 3 chamomile tea bags
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (gently bruised)
- Zest of 1 small lemon or orange
- 1–2 Tbsp honey or maple syrup, to taste
- Ice, for serving
- Optional: fresh basil sprigs or citrus slices for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
Brew the Base:
- Bring 4 cups water to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Add chamomile, basil leaves, and citrus zest. Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain into a pitcher. Stir in honey or sweetener while warm.
Chill & Serve:
- Let cool slightly, then refrigerate for 1–2 hours until cold.
- Serve over ice with a fresh basil leaf or slice of citrus for garnish.
🌿 Tip: Gently bruise the basil with your fingers before steeping to help release its oils without bitterness.
🍽 Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Perfect with light summer lunches or garden snacks
- Pair with shortbread, fruit salad, or herbed cheese toasts
- A beautiful option for garden gatherings or tea parties
- Lovely as a non-alcoholic mocktail base
🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Store without ice to prevent dilution
- Can be made in double batches for gatherings or daily sipping
🌱 Final Thoughts & Invitation
This tea is a small act of gentleness — for your nervous system, your body, and your day. It’s what happens when the garden slows you down and you let it. A quiet reminder that calm can be sipped.
If you try it, tag @southernsoilandsunshine — I’d love to see your version in your favorite glass.
Looking for more herbal refreshers? Try:
- Lemon Balm and Honey Iced Tea with Cucumber Slices
- Elegant & Earthy Vanilla Bean, Rosemary & Bee Pollen Ice Cream
- Korean Chilled Cucumber Soup with Garden Mint
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