Chill Out with an Exotic Iced Tea Slushie Adventure

Most iced tea recipes stick to the familiar: a splash of lemon, a dash of sweetness. But I recently discovered a way to turn this classic into a summer spectacle, with just a blender and a splash of daring. The secret? Infusing the tea with unexpected flavors like fresh basil or a hint of spicy ginger before turning it into a frosty slushie.

As the ice hits the fruity or herbal notes, the texture becomes icy yet smooth, like biting into a refreshing cloud. This recipe lets you customize the flavor palette, transforming your ordinary iced tea into a conversation-starting chill-out drink. Perfect for those long, lazy afternoons or spontaneous gatherings in the backyard.

Frosted Basil Ginger Iced Tea Slushie

This iced tea slushie combines brewed black tea infused with fresh basil and spicy ginger, blended with ice until smooth and icy. The final texture is a frosty, refreshing beverage with a vibrant herbal and spicy flavor profile, resembling a chilled cloud of flavor.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Fusion

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups water for brewing tea
• 4 bags black tea bags or 4 teaspoons of loose leaf tea in a infuser
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves roughly chopped, for infusion
• 1 inch fresh ginger sliced thin
• 0.5 cup honey or simple syrup adjust sweetness to taste
• 4 cups ice cubes plus extra for serving

Equipment

• Kettle or saucepan
• Blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine strainer

Method

 

1. Bring water to a boil in a kettle or saucepan. Once boiling, pour it over the black tea bags in a heatproof container and steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature.
2. While the tea cools, add chopped basil and sliced ginger to the cooled tea. Stir in honey or simple syrup until fully dissolved. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse deeply.
3. Strain the infused tea through a fine strainer into a blender, discarding the herbs and spices. Add the remaining ice cubes to the blender.
4. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth, frosty, and thickened—about 30 seconds. The texture should be icy and slushie-like, with the herbal and spicy notes well incorporated.
5. Pour the frosty iced tea slushie into glasses, garnishing with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately for a refreshing, chilled beverage.

Notes

Adjust sweetness and herbal intensity based on personal preference. For a spicier kick, add more ginger or a dash of cayenne pepper before blending.

Living through these warm months, I find that a cold, flavorful slushie can swiftly change the mood of any day. It’s a simple joy that combines the familiarity of iced tea with a cool twist, making even the hottest days bearable. Plus, it’s a delightful way to sip something sweet while craving less sugar.

Enjoying this drink offers a little escape, a moment to pause, and a burst of refreshment that’s both satisfying and easy to whip up. The next time the sun is blazing, remember that a frozen tea delight might just be what you need to beat the heat with style.