Nothing says “summer in the South” like the heat rolling in, blueberries ripening, and basil growing wild on the windowsill or in your garden. That’s exactly what inspired me to make this Organic Blueberry Peach Basil Sun Tea—a refreshing, no-fuss way to embrace the season without turning on the stove.
I used organic blueberries, peaches, and basil for this recipe, letting the best of summer’s flavors shine through.
Why I Love Organic Blueberries, Peaches, and Basil
For me, these ingredients represent the start of summer. I remember picking blueberries off my grandmother’s bush until my fingers turned purple and rubbing basil leaves at the farmers market, letting their scent linger all day. Those small moments live on in this tea, allowing me to taste those memories, which taste like sunshine.
what makes sun tea special
If you’ve never made sun tea, you’re in for a treat. Unlike hot-brewed tea, sun tea has a softer, less bitter flavor, gently infused by the heat of the day. It’s also a practical option if you don’t have access to hot water, or if you just want to keep your kitchen cool while the summer heat does the work for you.
I find it’s the perfect excuse to slow down and let nature take care of your tea while you turn up “Loretta” by Ginger Root and let the day roll on.
why southerners love sweet tea
As a transplant to the South, I’ve noticed sweet tea is more than just a drink here—it’s nostalgia. The overly sweet tea with a lemon wedge brings people back to childhood summers spent playing outside and coming in for a cold glass on a sticky afternoon. Sweet tea was once a luxury, and for many, it still feels like one, carrying a history and comfort that runs deep in the South.
recipe: Organic Blueberry Peach Basil Sun Tea
If you’re looking for a short, sweet, and refreshing summer ritual, let the sun do the work with this Organic Blueberry Peach Basil Sun Tea. It’s a perfect way to use up those organic blueberries and peaches hanging out in your fridge, take advantage of your summer basil, and capture a taste of summer in every glass.
ingredients
For Peach Basil Syrup:
- 2 small organic peaches, chopped
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups cane sugar
- 1.5 oz fresh organic basil leaves
For the Sun Tea:
- 6 oz organic blueberries
- 7 cups water
- 7 bags (or 6.5 oz) black tea
Optional:
2 oz Conniption’s Gin per serving (for a summer cocktail)
instructions
- Make the Peach Basil Syrup
- In a pot, combine chopped peaches, 2 cups water, and 2 cups cane sugar.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add fresh basil, and let steep as the mixture cools.
- Transfer to the fridge overnight.
- Brew the Blueberry Sun Tea
- In a blender, combine blueberries with 7 cups water. Blend on high for about 2 minutes.
- Pour the blueberry water into a large glass jar and add the black tea bags.
- Seal the jar tightly to keep out insects.
- Place in direct sunlight for up to 24 hours to steep.
- Strain and Combine
The next day, strain out the blueberries and remove the tea bags from the sun tea.
If desired, strain the peach basil syrup for a smoother texture or blend it for a thicker consistency.
Combine the strained sun tea with the peach basil syrup and stir to mix.
- Serve
- Pour over ice and enjoy immediately.
- For a cocktail variation, add 2 oz of Conniption’s Gin to each glass before serving.
Yield
5 cups
Prep Time
2 days
tips
- Use local organic fruit for best flavor and sustainability.
- For deeper basil flavor, add a few fresh leaves to your glass before serving.
- Sweetness can be adjusted by using less syrup if desired.
Learn more about one of Happy Dirt’s farmer-partners who grows organic blueberries in eastern North Carolina. If you’re a wholesale buyer interested in learning more about the availability of North Carolina organic blueberries, give us a shout. Simply enjoy learning about Happy Dirt farmers and organic produce, sign up for our newsletter.
