Bright, crisp and subtly sweet, this recipe for Cantaloupe Basil Iced Green Tea made with our Takeya Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker captures the freshness of a farmer’s market in a sip.

While you can easily use your favorite green tea, we recommend a Japanese Sencha green tea that brings clean, herbaceous flavors to this recipe. Keep in mind that when brewing green tea (especially Japanese green tea), you will want to make sure that your water temperature is well below boiling (closer to 170 degrees) and that your steep time is approximately 3 minutes. Consideration of water temp and brew time will ensure that the flavor of your tea is delicious (rather than bitter). And when you use Takeya’s Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker, your green tea will be ready in minutes (note: make your green tea in advance and let it chill in the fridge).

Fresh basil adds a robust peppery flavor with just a hint of anise (depending on the type of basil that you are using). If you prefer not to have basil floating in your sip (or prefer a punch of basil flavor), flash chill your green tea the night before you intend to make this recipe. After the tea is chilled, remove 1 cup of iced green from the 1QT or 2 QT Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker, add approx. 2-3 cups roughly chopped fresh basil, and infuse overnight. Then simply fill a glass with ice, add cantaloupe juice, and top with the basil infused green tea.

Sweet with subtle floral flavors, cantaloupe juice adds a beautiful bright orange hue to this sip. Opt for freshly cut melon, as pre-cut melon tends to lose some of its flavor as it sits. And if honeydew and watermelon are overflowing at your local market, swap out the cantaloupe for the freshest melon you can find for the most juicy and flavorful sip.

Takeya Tip: Make enough for a gathering (15-20 servings), and set up an iced tea bar. Fill a pitcher with freshly blended cantaloupe juice, set out a bowl of ice and a bowl of basil sprigs, along with a 1QT or 2 QT Takeya Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker full of freshly brewed and chilled green tea.

Cantaloupe Basil Iced Green Tea

Makes one 8oz beverage

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup basil leaves (plus more for garnish)
• ice cubes
• 1 cup cubed cantaloupe (freshly cut is preferred for best flavor)
• 3oz iced green tea (made with our Takeya Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker)

Select your favorite green tea (we recommend a bright, herbaceous Sencha green tea). Brew and chill the green tea in the Takeya Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker (click here for instructions – remember to brew green teas well below boiling temp).

Add cantaloupe to a blender, and blend until smooth. Add the basil to a large glass, and muddle with a wooden spoon until very fragrant. Top with a handful of ice cubes, and pour in the cantaloupe juice. Top with 3oz of the iced green tea, stir, garnish with a basil sprig, and enjoy!