A Refreshing Taste of Summer
There are few things more refreshing on a warm summer afternoon than a tall glass of cold-brewed tea.
This simple recipe combines fresh strawberries, fragrant basil, bright lemon, and homemade vanilla syrup into a crisp, naturally refreshing drink that's equally at home on the porch, at a backyard barbecue, or tucked into a picnic basket.
The inspiration for this recipe came from Jee Choe, Tea Sommelier, whose beautiful strawberry basil cold brew tea inspired us to create a VanillaPura version. We couldn't resist adding one of our favorite ingredients—vanilla syrup with our homemade vanilla extract.
We're always looking for new ways to enjoy homemade vanilla, and this recipe is a perfect reminder of how subtly it can elevate the flavors we already love.
Why Cold Brew Tea?
Cold brewing tea creates a smoother, less bitter cup because the leaves slowly steep in cold water instead of hot. The result is a clean, refreshing tea with very little bitterness, making it the perfect canvas for fresh fruit, herbs, and a touch of vanilla.
Ingredient
- 2 black tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf black tea)
My favorite black tea for this recipe is Earl Grey. - 4 cups cold filtered water
- 5 good-sized or a few more fresh strawberries, sliced.
- 1/2 lemon, sliced
- 3 fresh basil leaves, gently torn
- Vanilla syrup-pour with your heart
I usually double this recipe. My Son loves it!
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh strawberries
- Lemon slices
- Fresh basil sprigs
Instructions
- Add the tea bags, strawberries, lemon, basil, and 4 cups of cold filtered water to a large pitcher. As Jee notes, starting with good-quality filtered water makes a difference. When a recipe is this simple, every ingredient has a chance to shine.
- Refrigerate for 24 hours.
- Remove the tea bags (or strain the loose tea and fruit).
- Stir in your homemade vanilla Syrup for individual servings. This way everyone gets it just as sweet as their heart desires.
- Serve ice cold and garnish with fresh strawberries, lemon slices, or basil.
Optional: My friend Chelsea loved it with a splash of milk to make it extra special and extra creamy
Why We Add Vanilla
At VanillaPura, everything begins with vanilla.
In this tea, vanilla doesn't take center stage. Instead, it quietly brings the other flavors together. It softens the bright citrus, rounds out the strawberries, and leaves a smooth finish that makes you want another sip. It's added in with a simple syrup so it's sweetly smooth and perfectly balanced.
It's one of those ingredients people can't quite put their finger on—they just know something tastes especially good.
Try Different Vanilla Extracts
Every vanilla bean has its own personality, making this recipe fun to customize.
- Madagascar for a rich, creamy classic.
- Mexican for warm, subtle spice.
- Tahitian for floral, fruity notes.
- Sentani for delicate fruit-forward undertones.
- Orange Vanilla for extra citrus.
- Lemon Vanilla Extract for an even brighter summer tea.
- Strawberry Vanilla Extract if you're looking to lean even more into the berry flavors.
A Glass Full of Summer
Sometimes the simplest recipes become the ones we make over and over again.
This tea is just as perfect for a quiet afternoon on the porch as it is for sharing with friends on a warm summer evening. The cold-brew tea is the refreshing base, and from there everyone can make it their own. Add homemade vanilla syrup to individual glasses so each person can sweeten their tea just the way they like it. For a creamy treat, add a splash of milk with the vanilla syrup to create a smooth, vanilla tea latte. It's an easy recipe to customize, whether you enjoy it light and refreshing or sweet and creamy.
A heartfelt thank you to Jee Choe, Tea Sommelier, for the inspiration behind this refreshing summer tea and for reminding us that simple ingredients often make the most memorable recipes.
Keep Making Life a Little Sweeter.
