strawberry basil green tea in two mason jars

Strawberry Basil Green Tea

These hot summer days call for a refreshing drink, am I right? This strawberry basil green tea is where it’s at!

This beverage is simple, satisfying, and can be enjoyed any time of day. It’s also infused with ingredients that are beneficial to your health, making it worth the (very little) effort.

I was inspired to create this recipe because I realized that I haven’t been drinking enough water on a daily basis. This was ironic, considering I’ve been home more due to the stay-at-home orders. But I’ve found myself getting consumed by my corporate job, hobbies, nutrition studies, and neglecting to give my body one of the most nourishing things it needs!

I’m sure you can relate. When life gets chaotic, often times one of the first things we sacrifice is our self-care. Our power lies in recognizing self-neglect in its many forms and fashions, and taking action to resolve it. So here I am…brainstorming ways to effectively increase my water intake. In a survey of 1,000 Americans, 77% said that they do not drink the recommended amount of water. Also, a study from the CDC showed that 43% of adults drink less than 4 cups of water per day. So, the odds are pretty high that you don’t consume enough water either. In which case, we can create this new habit together 😊

strawberry basil green tea in two mason jars

Reasons for Not Drinking Enough Water

If this is something you’re struggling with, the first thing is to get clear on why you’re not drinking enough water. Some of the common reasons that people have are:

  • Poor taste
  • They forget
  • Not feeling thirsty
  • Needing caffeine/sugar for energy
  • Feeling bloated

However, in reality, these perceived issues with water have easy solutions:

  • Poor taste – Buy a water filter, or infuse your water with herbs and fruits.
  • They forget – Carry a refillable bottle of water, and always keep water near the places you spend the most time.
  • Not feeling thirsty – Many people confuse thirst for hunger, so you likely are thirsty.
  • Needing caffeine/sugar for energy – Eat natural, energy-boosting foods, such as an apple and a glass of water.
  • Feeling bloated – Sip instead of chug, and drink your water at room temperature.

When I thought about my personal reasons for not drinking enough water, I landed on two:

  • As someone who only drinks water, tea, and the occasional kombucha, I was finding water boring.
  • I got caught up in my work, and would forget to drink water for hours on end.

For the former, I’ve decided to take an hourly break from my work, starting off with a few deep belly breaths, getting up to stretch my legs, and drinking a glass of water. For the latter, I’ve decided to revamp the water I’m consuming. Enter strawberry basil green tea 🍓

strawberry basil green tea in two mason jars

How to Infuse Your Green Tea

To make this drink, you’ll want to brew the tea, strawberries, and basil in hot water. This step is super important, as it will help extract the flavors. Once brewed and strained, use a muddler or fork to get the last bits of juice out of the strawberries. You won’t want to skip this part, as the ingredients in this recipe offer massive health benefits.

First, green tea is a good source of antioxidants, which protect the body from disease and help relieve inflammation. Strawberries are not only rich in antioxidants, but also in vitamin C, which is great for your immunity, hair, and skin. And lastly, basil has anti-inflammatory properties, and is good for digestion, among several other things. Tulsi, also known as “holy basil,” is well known for it’s ancient medicinal effects. So if you can get your hands on some, that’s even more nutritional value!

Once all the flavors have been extracted, you’ll add a bit more water to the tea, and refrigerate until cool. And that’s all! Once chilled, serve with ice, fresh strawberries, fresh basil, and mint. If you’re not a fan of cold drinks, serve it warm or room temperature.

If you make this strawberry basil green tea, be sure to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram. I love seeing your creations, and getting your feedback. ✨

strawberry basil green tea in two mason jars

Strawberry Basil Green Tea

This Strawberry Basil Green Tea is the perfect summer refresher. It's infused with health-promoting ingredients, and takes little to no effort to make.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Other
Servings 6 cups

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups boiled water
  • 3/4 cups sliced strawberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped basil
  • 4 green tea bags
  • 1 tablespoon monkfruit sweetener (optional)
  • 2 cups cold or room temperature water
  • Additional basil, strawberries, and mint (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Add sliced strawberries, basil, and tea bags to a bowl.
  • Add boiling water, and let all ingredients brew for 15 minutes.
  • Remove tea bags from the mixture. Strain out the berries and basil.
  • Within the strainer, muddle the strawberries to extract the last bit of juice, making sure the juice is added to the mixture.
  • Add sweetener, and stir.
  • Add the remaining 2 cups of water. Let chill for several hours, or overnight.
  • Add fresh strawberries and basil before serving.
Keyword Basil, Green Tea, Strawberry

Enjoy!

 


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