Chill Out: The Unexpected Joy of Herb-Infused Iced Tea Slushies

Imagine a warm afternoon where a typical iced tea just isn’t enough to cool your yearning for refreshment. Now picture turning that ordinary drink into a vibrant, herb-kissed slushie that crackles with icy goodness. This recipe transforms a simple iced tea into a playful, aromatic frozen treat, perfect for tackling sticky days and bringing a little adventure to your sip.

I’ve recently stumbled across the magic of infusing my iced tea with fresh herbs, and it’s a revelation. The unexpected burst of basil or mint, swirling within the icy texture, adds a layer of complexity that makes each sip feel like a tiny garden party in your mouth. It’s a small twist that rewires your idea of what an iced drink can be.

Herb-Infused Iced Tea Slushie

This frozen beverage combines brewed iced tea with fresh herbs, blended into a smooth, icy slushie. The result is a vibrant, aromatic frozen drink with a crisp texture and visually appealing flecks of herbs throughout.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mixed Drinks

Calories: 80

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups water for brewing tea
• 4 bags black tea bags or herbal tea of your choice
• 1/4 cup honey or to taste
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves lightly packed
• 2 cups ice cubes preferably crushed or small pieces

Equipment

• Tea kettle or pot
• Blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ice cube tray

Method

 

1. Bring water to a boil in a kettle or pot, then pour over tea bags in a heatproof container. Let steep for 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags and stir in honey until fully dissolved. Allow the brewed tea to cool to room temperature.
2. Transfer the cooled tea into a large mixing bowl or container, and add the chopped basil and mint leaves. Stir gently to combine and allow the herbs to infuse for at least 10 minutes as the flavors meld and the aroma intensifies.
3. Strain out the herbs using a fine mesh sieve or tea strainer, pouring the herbal tea into a clean bowl or pitcher. This step ensures a clear, flavorful base for your slushie.
4. Pour the cooled, strained tea into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid, about 4 hours or overnight. This makes it easy to blend into a slushie later.
5. Once the tea cubes are frozen solid, place them into a blender along with the fresh herbs for quick flavor boost, and add the ice cubes. Blend on high speed until the mixture is thick, smooth, and frosty, with a scoopable, slushie-like consistency.
6. Pour the vibrant, herb-kissed iced tea slushie into glasses. Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs or a slice of citrus if desired for a pretty finishing touch.

Notes

For a more intense herbal flavor, steep the herbs in hot tea for longer or include additional fresh herbs. Adjust sweetness by increasing honey according to your preference.

As the days grow warmer, this herb-infused iced tea slushie stands out as a delightful way to stay cool and wake up your senses. It’s a simple pleasure that doesn’t demand much effort but offers a refreshing reward. Plus, it’s a great way to experiment with flavors you love, turning any lazy afternoon into a mini celebration of chilled creativity.

Enjoy crafting your own variations, maybe with a splash of citrus or a hint of honey. These slushies aren’t just drinks—they’re a little escape, a moment frozen in time. Perfect for hot, lazy weekends or a quick pick-me-up on an ordinary weekday.