Compensation was provided by Pure Leaf via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Pure Leaf.
Spring is so close, I can almost taste it! It has been a LONG winter for a lot of us, and I really can’t wait to warm up. In fact, I’m already thinking spring with a cocktail (or mocktail) recipe that I’m going to share with you today that’s got fresh spring flavors and crisp iced tea with Pure Leaf, a ready-to-drink iced tea.
If you read here often, then you know that I love seasonal cocktails with fresh ingredients. They’re such a nice treat when I’m entertaining, or spending date-night-in with my husband. If you live in an area where the farmer’s markets are gearing up with fresh produce, then pick up local fruit and herbs for a fantastic, subtle addition to your next glass of iced tea! Not only are the flavors delicious, but they pack a visual punch, too. Your girlfriends are going to LOVE the fruit garnish (and whether they’ll admit it or not, the guys will too).
There’s just something about sitting down with a glass of iced tea that’s inherently relaxing, don’t you think? It doesn’t matter whether you add a bit of lemon, or if you like yours sweet, or whether you use it as part of a cocktail or a mocktail – it always makes me think of warm weather and good friends.
Today’s recipe has a minor amount of prep to make a basil-infused simple syrup, but if you’re hosting a get-together then it’s very easy to make ahead of time. You can store basil syrup for up to a month in the refrigerator to keep on-hand, and it’s ready in about 20 minutes. Just take the prep into account before your guests arrive!
- 4 oz. Pure Leaf Lemon Iced Tea
- 1½ oz. raspberry vodka
- 1 oz. basil simple syrup
- ½ oz. fresh lemon juice
- Ice
- Optional: Fresh berries and lemon wedges for garnish
- Prep your syrup by adding ½ cup water and ½ cup sugar to a small saucepan. Add 4-6 washed basil leaves, and heat on low, stirring often, until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat and allow the leaves to steep another 15 minutes as the syrup cools. Remove and discard leaves, and store basil syrup in a closed container. Refrigerate unused syrup, and store excess for up to one month.
- In a shaker tin, add vodka, lemon juice, syrup, and ice cubes. Shake until chilled, and strain over a mason jar filled with ice. Top with Pure Leaf Lemon Iced Tea.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge, skewered berries, and/or a fresh basil leaf and serve immediately.
- Alternately, omit the vodka for an alcohol-free beverage.
As much fun as it is to me to add the hint of fruit and herbs flavors, you can also just pour and enjoy! Pure Leaf is real brewed tea, available in both sweetened and unsweetened blends.
So, how do you like your tea? Sweet? Spiked? Nothing but ice?
Pure Leaf is a premium iced tea brewed from real tea leaves picked at their freshest. For recipes, tea tips and daily inspiration, visit PureLeaf.com.
This is a “happy” juice for me. Raspberries are low in calories and fats and are rich in Vitamin K and B-complex groups
This is a “happy” juice for me. Raspberries are low in calories and fats and are rich in Vitamin K and B-complex groups. Raspberry and other fresh fruits will make this ice tea extra nutrient-rich!
I am not a big fan of raspberry but I do like this idea.
If it healthy I’m all for it I’m practicing on eating healthy today!
Never had tea with real tea leaf it seem like it a nice healthy drink I living healthy now got to try it!
This looks so good! It’s perfect for just myself too. I love having single serve drink ideas.