4 cups boiling water
4 cups cold water
Fresh basil leaves and lemon slices for garnish
Directions
In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Add the sliced strawberries and basil leaves to the saucepan. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the strawberries are soft and the basil is fragrant.
Meanwhile, steep the black tea bags in 4 cups of boiling water for about 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and set the tea aside.
Strain the strawberry-basil syrup through a fine mesh sieve into the steeped tea, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
Add 4 cups of cold water to the tea mixture and stir well.
Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Serve the tea over ice, garnished with fresh basil leaves and lemon slices.
Variations & Tips
For a different flavor profile, try substituting the strawberries with peaches or raspberries. You can also experiment with different types of tea, such as green tea or herbal blends, for a unique twist. If you prefer a less sweet tea, reduce the amount of sugar in the simple syrup. For a sparkling version, replace some of the cold water with club soda just before serving. To make it a cocktail, add a splash of vodka or gin for an adult version of this refreshing drink.
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