This Summer Herb Is the Secret to Next-Level Iced Tea

Hint: It’s not mint.

If there's one thing we can all agree on, it’s that iced tea is the unofficial drink of summer. Whether you’re sipping it poolside, on your porch swing, or from a mason jar on your lunch break, a chilled glass of tea is the perfect way to beat the heat. And sure, tossing in a lemon wedge or a few sliced strawberries adds some flair—but if you really want to make your iced tea pop, there's one summer herb you need to try: basil.

Yes, basil. Not just for pesto anymore.

The Underrated Hero of Herbal Refreshment

While peppermint usually gets the spotlight when it comes to herbal iced teas, basil is its cooler, more complex cousin. It still carries a whisper of mintiness, but with added depth—think a touch of anise, a bit of pepper, and just enough citrus to keep things crisp. It’s sweet, it’s warm, it’s aromatic... and it might just be your new go-to for elevating iced tea.

Basil isn’t one-note either. There are multiple varieties that each bring their own personality to the pitcher. Sweet basil is the one most of us know—it’s citrusy, subtly sweet, and pairs beautifully with fruity teas like peach or strawberry. Want something a bit spicier? Cinnamon basil offers a gentle warmth that feels like a summer hug in a glass. And for something bold and grounding, holy basil (a.k.a. tulsi) brings a punchy, slightly clove-like intensity that pairs especially well with more robust teas like Earl Grey.

How to Infuse Like a Pro

Adding basil to iced tea is refreshingly low effort. If you're feeling casual, just toss a handful of rinsed leaves into a pitcher of freshly brewed tea and let them mingle in the fridge. If you want a bolder, more pronounced flavor, steep the basil leaves in hot water for 10–60 minutes (the longer, the stronger), then strain, cool, and blend with your favorite tea. That’s it.

Match Your Basil to Your Brew

This isn’t just about throwing herbs in a pitcher—it’s about pairing thoughtfully, like a flavor sommelier for your summer sips. Here's how to elevate your blends:

• Sweet Basil + Peach Iced Tea: The citrusy notes in sweet basil brighten up the natural sweetness of peaches, while the hint of anise gives the fruit a deeper, more sophisticated edge.

• Holy Basil + Earl Grey: Holy basil’s earthy spice complements the floral bergamot in Earl Grey, creating a smooth-meets-bold flavor combo. Bonus points if you add a squeeze of lemon.

• Cinnamon Basil + Thai Iced Tea: With Thai tea’s natural richness (think star anise, cardamom, cinnamon), cinnamon basil leans in with warming notes that round out every sip.

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So the next time you're planning a backyard BBQ or just trying to stay cool during a heatwave, don’t reach for mint—reach for basil. It’s the low-key herb with high-impact flavor, and your iced tea deserves nothing less.