White Tea, Peach & Basil Mocktail
Nothing says the arrival of June quite like the taste of ripe, juicy peaches and fresh herbs. This sophisticated mocktail pairs the delicate, naturally sweet notes of Qi Organic White Tea with fragrant basil and fresh peach puree. It’s light, incredibly hydrating, and the perfect upscale refresher for warm afternoon patios or summer evening gatherings.
Prep time:10 minutes (plus tea cooling time) Servings:2 drinks
Ingredients
2 bags of Qi Organic White Tea
1 ½ cups boiling water
1 large ripe peach (pitted and sliced)
4–6 fresh basil leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 to 2 teaspoons of honey or agave nectar (adjust to the sweetness of your peach)
Sparkling water or club soda, to top up
Ice cubes
Method
Step 1: Brew and Chill the White Tea
White tea is delicate, so it’s important not to scald the leaves. Let your boiling water sit for 2 minutes to cool slightly (to about 80°C/175°F) before pouring it over the 2 Qi White Tea bags. Steep for 3 to 4 minutes, then remove the tea bags. Let the tea cool to room temperature, or pop it in the fridge to chill completely. (Tip: You can easily do this the night before!)
Step 2: Muddle the Peach and Basil
In a cocktail shaker or a sturdy glass pitcher, add the sliced peach, fresh basil leaves, lime juice, and your choice of sweetener (honey or agave). Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to thoroughly mash the peaches and bruise the basil until the juices are fully released and a rustic puree forms.
Step 3: Combine
Pour the chilled Qi White Tea into the shaker or pitcher with the muddled peach mixture. Give it a vigorous stir or shake to combine all the flavours.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Fill two tall glasses with fresh ice. Pour the mixture evenly into the glasses. If you prefer a completely smooth drink, pour it through a fine-mesh strainer; if you like a rustic, fruit-forward mocktail, let bits of the peach and basil tumble into the glass.
Step 5: Fizz and Garnish
Top up each glass with a generous splash of sparkling water for a refreshing fizz. Gently slap a fresh sprig of basil between your palms to release its aromatic oils, then tuck it into the glass alongside a fresh peach slice. Serve immediately!
