Bella Basil Raspberry Tea

Name: Bella Basil Raspberry Tea
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 3 cups fresh raspberries; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped; 1/4 cup lime juice; 2 individual black tea bags; 1 bottle (1 liter) carbonated water or 1 bottle (750 milliliters) sparkling rose wine; Ice cubes; Fresh raspberries, optional

Beautiful basil and fresh raspberries lend bright color and refreshing flavor to this grown-up iced tea. You’ll love the fun fizz and make-ahead convenience for parties. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington

Ingredients

3 cups fresh raspberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup lime juice
2 individual black tea bags
1 bottle (1 liter) carbonated water or 1 bottle (750 milliliters) sparkling rose wine
Ice cubes
Fresh raspberries, optional

Directions

In a large saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, basil and lime juice. Mash berries. Cook over medium heat for 7 minutes or until berries release juices.
Remove from the heat; add tea bags. Cover and steep for 20 minutes. Strain, discarding tea bags and raspberry seeds. Transfer tea to a 2-qt. pitcher. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
Just before serving, slowly add carbonated water or wine.Serve over ice. If desired, top with raspberries.