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–+ servings
close up view of galvanized tray holding a pitcher of iced tea and two mason jars of tea accented with a bucket of french lavender

Cinnamon Basil Herbal Infused Iced Tea

A refreshing iced tea infused with the slightly sweet yet spicy taste of Cinnamon Basil
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Bring to Room Temperature 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • saucepan nonreactive such as stainless steel
  • measuring cup
  • measuring spoon
  • strainer
  • tea ball or muslin bag to hold herbs if using dried herbs
  • pitcher & glass to serve the finished iced tea

Ingredients
  

  • 2 quarts water
  • 4 tea bags can substitute loose tea, you will need 3 tablespoons loose black tea
  • 3 cups fresh Cinnamon Basil leaves can use lemon basil or sweet basil if cinnamon basil is not available
  • 1/4 cup sugar this is optional , some people prefer sweet tea
  • orange, lemon or lime slices thinly sliced. Fruit slices are optional

Instructions
 

  • heat 2 cups of water the boiling point.  Remove from heat
  • Prepare the infusion by adding the 4 tea bags or loose tea to the saucepan of hot water.
    4 tea bags
  • Add the 3 cups of fresh cinnamon basil leaves that have been slightly bruised. Bruising the leaves allows the essential oils to be released.
    fresh lemon basil leaves
  • If using sugar to sweeten the tea, add it now. The sugar will dissolve better in the hot liquid.
    wooden spoon with white table sugar
  • Let the infusion cool to room temperature. This could take 40 to 45 minutes.
  • line a strainer with a coffee filter and place over a large glass measuring cup or pitcher
    mesh strainer lined with a coffee filter placed on top of a large glass measuring cup
  • After the infusion has cooled, strain the liquid into a pitcher or glass jar.
  • Add fruit slices if desired. Refrigerate the tea until cold.
  • Serve over ice. Garnish the glasses with a sprig of basil if desired. Enjoy!
    metal tray on table with iced tea, bucket of lavender and a pile of old books

Notes

Dried herbs can be used in place of fresh herbs. You will use 1/2 as much dried herbs.  You will need about 1 1/2 cups of dried herbs to make 2 quarts of iced tea.  After the infusion has cooled, strain through a coffee filter lined strainer to keep the bits of herbs from ending up in the finished tea. 
Refrigerate any left over herbal infused tea.  Tea will last in the refrigerate for 3 days.  Be sure to stir it before serving it. 
Keyword Herbal Infusion, Iced Tea
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