A refreshing plum basil iced tea mocktail brings a unique twist to summer drinks.
This easy recipe combines sweet plums, fresh basil leaves, and black tea to create a cool, fruity drink perfect for warm afternoons.
The deep purple color makes it eye-catching for parties and gatherings.
Kids and adults both enjoy this alcohol-free beverage that takes just 15 minutes to prepare.
This drink works great for summer picnics, backyard barbecues, or simple refreshment on hot days.
The natural sweetness of plums pairs beautifully with the herbal notes of basil and the smooth taste of black tea.
Plum Basil Iced Tea Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Large pitcher (64 oz)
- Tea kettle or pot
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Muddler or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Glass serving cups
Ingredients
- 6 ripe plums pitted and sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 8 black tea bags
- 4 cups boiling water
- 2 cups cold water
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Fresh plum slices and basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Boil 4 cups of water and steep the tea bags for 5 minutes.
- Remove tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature.
- Place sliced plums and basil leaves in the pitcher. Muddle gently to release the flavors.
- Pour the cooled tea over the muddled fruits and herbs.
- Add honey or maple syrup and stir until dissolved.
- Add cold water and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
- Strain the mixture into serving glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish with fresh plum slices and basil leaves.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
This refreshing mocktail combines sweet plums with aromatic basil for a complex yet balanced drink. The tea base offers gentle caffeine and tannins that complement the fruit.
Fresh plums add natural sweetness and a rich purple color. Their stone fruit flavor becomes more pronounced as the drink sits, creating layers of taste.
The basil brings bright, peppery notes that cut through the sweetness. Its herbal character pairs perfectly with the black tea’s subtle maltiness.
A light fizz from sparkling water lifts the flavors and adds a pleasant tingle. The bubbles help release the basil’s fragrant oils with each sip.
Best served temperature: 35-40°F
Flavor profile:
- Primary: Sweet plum, herbal basil
- Secondary: Malty black tea
- Finish: Clean, effervescent
The drink stays balanced for about 2 hours when refrigerated. After that, the basil notes start to fade while the plum becomes more dominant.
Substitute
You can swap ingredients in this plum basil iced tea mocktail to match what you have on hand or your taste preferences.
Replace plums with peaches, nectarines, or apricots for a similar stone fruit flavor. Fresh fruits work best, but frozen ones are good options too.
Thai basil or mint can replace regular basil. These herbs add different but equally refreshing notes to the drink.
Instead of black tea, try green tea or white tea as the base. Each tea type brings its own unique character to the mocktail.
Sugar alternatives:
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Agave nectar
- Stevia
For a caffeine-free version, use rooibos or herbal tea. These options keep the drink alcohol-free while offering new flavor combinations.
Sparkling water can replace still water to create a bubbly version. The fizz adds an extra layer of refreshment to the drink.