There is a mystery in Mille Mystères Framboisier Bio, and it comes down to one word: basil. Nobody expects it in an infusion, and yet it is what gives this blend its personality, a fresh, slightly aniseed note that intrigues with every sip.

Egyptian lemongrass opens the composition, followed by raspberry leaves from Bulgaria and Bosnia and Herzegovina, then Egyptian basil. Chamomile, ginger prepared with raw cane sugar, thyme and lemon myrtle complete the ensemble; all the ingredients are organic. Basil, Ocimum basilicum, is a member of the Lamiaceae, like thyme; the raspberry leaf, for its part, does not taste of fruit but of a soft leaf, barely tannic, close to a light tea.

The dry blend, tender green, smells of the garden after picking. The liquor is golden. The raspberry leaf lays down a gentle vegetal note, the lemongrass and lemon myrtle brighten it with a sharp lemon, and the chamomile rounds it with a note of honey. Basil then emerges, unexpected, accompanied by thyme, and the sweet ginger leaves a light warmth on the finish.

It contains no caffeine: a cup for the end of the day. The 1 litre teapot receives 12 to 15 g of leaves and boiling water, at 100 °C; leave it to steep for seven to ten minutes. Chilled, it is happily served over ice, with a fresh basil leaf.

It goes well with a strawberry salad, an apricot tart or a fresh cheese with herbs. Weighed to order in our shops, it should then be kept away from light, in a container that seals well.