Cold elixirs are basically my life right now. Case and Point: Matcha Basil Limeade, Blue Magic Lemonade, Kombucha Slushie. Can’t stop won’t stop. I think I am just going to throw an alcohol free elixir party and you are all invited. Sound good? Good.
First on the list will be this Watermelon Holy Basil Chia Fresca. Are you ready to give it a go?
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Apparently, chia fresca is so five years ago. But I don’t mind. I love me a good chia fresca especially when they are spiked with fresh, calming herbs like holy basil (tulsi). Have you had holy basil before? It is a pretty common tea. It is a beautiful little adaptogenic herb that helps to calm anxiety and bring down stress. Basically what the world needs right now. I grow a little holy basil plant in a pot on my balcony. I use it to make tea and a tincture for myself. If you don’t have any holy basil just use regular basil!
Note: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding it is best to avoid holy basil.
Do you use chia seeds often? Did you ever own a chia pet? SAME THING! ha! I have seen them in the shape of the United States President’s head. No joke. Anyways, I digress. Chia–> it’s rich in omegas and high in fibre! woohoo! I go through phases of using chia in puddings and drinks and right now I am in a phase. You may see more of them soon.
Tell me, what is your favourite way to use chia seeds?
Check out more cold summer elixirs here:
Hibiscus and Ginger Kombucha Margarita Mocktail
Tried the recipe? loved it? Pin it! Rate it and tag #sweetlizzy on Instagram!
PrintWatermelon and Holy Basil Chia Fresca
A refreshing watermelon elixir using the relaxing holy basil herb and chia seeds. Perfect for those hot days on the patio!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Paleo, gluten free, refined sugar free
Ingredients
2 cups boiling water
3 tsp dried hibiscus
2 cups chopped watermelon
2–3 leaves fresh holy basil (regular basil will also work)
2 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp chia seeds
1–2 tbsp light raw honey
slices of watermelon for serving
Instructions
Boil your water and brew the hibiscus tea for about 15 minutes. After the tea is brewed mix 1/2 cup of the strained tea with the 2 tbsp of chia seeds in a small bowl. Set aside.
Strain the remainder of the tea and allow it to cool.
Add the tea, watermelon, basil leaves, lime juice and honey to the blender and blend until smooth. Stir in the tea/chia seeds. Pour over ice and serve with a watermelon slice.
Enjoy!
Notes
*holy basil may be hard to find so regular basil will also work.
** feel free to use a sweetener of choice.
***If you are pregnant or breastfeeding it is best to avoid holy basil. Try subbing regular basil instead!
Keywords: watermelon, chia, fresca, paleo
Chia jam, chia smoothies, chia in granola, sprinkled on . . . whatever! Love this recipe of yours, and I just bought some hibiscus yesterday! Who cares if it’s 5 years old, as you said–it’s still delicious!
★★★★★
Thanks Elaine! Chia is so fun to use isn’t it. Have fun with your hibiscus… so many fun recipes!
Oh! This looks lovely, I hadn’t even thought of using chia like this! I always use it for overnight breakfasts!
Thanks Riz! I use chia seeds in overnight breakfasts too, so easy! If you like that you will probably like using them in summer drinks as well!
This is such a great use for chia seeds! Looks tasty and refreshing. I’m always using chia seeds in different recipes, but my favourite way is in chia jam! Always have a batch in my fridge!
oh I love chia jam! So easy and quick!