A mocktail (or zero-proof drink) made with green tea, basil, and lime.
Jade Palmer
Makes 2 to 3 Drinks
The classic iced tea/lemonade combo goes green, with lime juice, a Thai basil simple syrup, and, of course, green tea. The basil has an intriguing anise-like quality, but you can also make the syrup with good old Mediterranean basil or cilantro. This drink is boozeless (gasp!) but is delicious spiked with gin or vodka.
For the syrup
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons water
1/4 cup Thai basil leaves
For the drink
3 green tea bags
3/4 cup boiling water
3/4 cup ice water
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 sprigs Thai basil
1. Make the syrup: In a small saucepan, heat the sugar with the water, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and add the basil leaves; let cool.
2. Meanwhile, make the drink: In a large measuring cup, pour the boiling water over the tea bags and let stand for 4 minutes. Add the ice water and lime juice.
3. Strain the syrup into the drink and stir. Serve in ice-filled glasses and garnish with basil springs.