Cold-Brew Hou Kui with Melon and Basil
A delicate, cooling cold brew of Tai Ping Hou Kui with fresh melon and basil—silky smooth, lightly sweet, and beautifully aromatic over ice.
Hou Kui's large, mellow leaves are made for cold-brewing. A slow, cold steep coaxes out the tea's orchid fragrance and natural sweetness while leaving its already-low astringency behind entirely, for an exceptionally silky iced cup.
Fresh melon brings a soft, floral sweetness that mirrors the tea's character, and a few basil leaves add an aromatic, herbaceous lift that keeps the drink lively and fresh.
Give it time in the refrigerator—six to eight hours lets the long leaves slowly release their flavor without any bitterness. The result is clean, fragrant, and barely needs sweetening.
Serve over ice with extra melon and a basil sprig. It is a graceful, hydrating refresher for a warm afternoon, light enough to keep you cool and focused without weighing you down.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Tai Ping Hou Kui green tea leaves
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 1 cup cubed honeydew or cantaloupe melon
- 4–5 fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp honey or agave (optional)
- Ice cubes
How to make it
- 1Place the Hou Kui leaves, melon cubes, and basil in a large jar.
- 2Pour in the cold water, cover, and refrigerate for 6–8 hours.
- 3Strain out the leaves, reserving some melon for serving.
- 4Stir in honey or agave if you want a touch more sweetness.
- 5Pour over ice and garnish with melon cubes and a fresh basil sprig.
Want to learn more about Tai Ping Hou Kui? Visit its full profile.
Back to Tai Ping Hou KuiYou might also like
Hou Kui Clarity Cup with Honey and Lemon
A smooth, soothing wellness cup of Tai Ping Hou Kui with a touch of honey and lemon—gentle caffeine and orchid fragrance for clear, unhurried focus.
Hou Kui Sake Orchid Spritz
An elegant, low-key spritz built on Tai Ping Hou Kui with sake, yuzu, and sparkling water—floral and refined, with an easy alcohol-free version too.