(submitted by Tea Magazine)

Recipes & Text by Alexis Siemons
Photographs by Sharon McMullen

Basil may be a savory star, but its earthy and subtle peppery flavors balance the luscious watermelon and sweet, malty Assam syrup.

Makes 8 skewers

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons Assam black tea

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

6 cups watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 cup basil leaves, torn into 1-inch pieces

Special tool:
8 skewers

Bring water to a boil and brew the Teatulia® black tea for 5 minutes. Strain out the tea leaves and add the brewed tea to a small pot on the stove. Bring the tea to a rolling boil and stir in sugar until it has dissolved, approximately 2 minutes. Let cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

On 8 skewers, alternate the watermelon cubes and basil leaves. When ready to serve, spoon Assam black tea simple syrup over each skewer.

Tip: Do you have extra syrup left over? Use it to sweeten iced tea or spoon over shaved iced for a chilled treat.