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sun tea recipe

How to Make the Perfect Sun Tea: A Refreshing Summer Recipe

A cozy and inviting kitchen setup showcasing a jar of freshly made sun tea placed on a sunlit windowsill. The jar, filled with rich amber tea and floating tea bags, is garnished with lemon slices and sprigs of mint for a refreshing touch. A rustic wooden countertop in the foreground features a cutting board with freshly sliced lemons, a jar of honey, and a spoon, creating a casual and approachable atmosphere. The image radiates warmth, simplicity, and the charm of homemade summer beverages, inspiring anyone to try making sun tea themselves

  • Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • Water: 1–2 gallons (filtered water recommended for the best flavor)
  • Tea Bags: 8 per gallon (black tea for traditional flavor, or experiment with green, herbal, or fruity teas)
  • Optional Sweeteners:
    • Honey
    • Agave syrup
    • Sugar
  • Optional Garnishes:
    • Lemon or lime slices
    • Fresh mint leaves
    • Berries (such as strawberries or blueberries)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Jar
    • Thoroughly clean a large, clear glass jar or dispenser (1–2 gallons).
    • Fill the jar with room-temperature filtered water for the best taste.
  • Add the Tea Bags
    • Use 8 tea bags per gallon of water.
    • Experiment with blends, such as black tea with hibiscus, green tea, or fruity herbal teas.
    • Submerge the tea bags fully in the water.
  • Steep in the Sun
    • Place the jar in direct sunlight, preferably outdoors, for 2–3 hours.
    • Rotate the jar occasionally for even steeping.
    • Keep an eye on the tea’s color and taste to achieve your desired strength.
  • Check for Flavor
    • Taste the tea after 2 hours. If it’s not strong enough, let it steep longer.
    • Once the flavor is right, remove the tea bags to prevent over-steeping.
  • Sweeten and Garnish (Optional)
    • Stir in your preferred sweetener (honey, agave, or sugar) while the tea is still warm for easy dissolving.
    • Add garnishes like lemon slices, fresh mint, or berries for a refreshing twist.
  • Chill and Serve
    • Refrigerate the tea immediately to stop the brewing process and ensure freshness.
    • Serve over ice in tall glasses and enjoy your homemade sun tea!

Notes

  • Tea Selection: Black tea is the traditional choice, but don’t hesitate to experiment with green, herbal, or fruity blends for a unique flavor profile.
  • Sunlight Conditions: Bright, sunny weather is ideal. If the day is overcast, you can use warm ambient conditions, but the process may take longer.
  • Safety First: To avoid bacterial growth, limit steeping time to 2–3 hours and refrigerate the tea immediately after brewing.
  • Custom Sweetness: Add sweeteners like honey or agave in small amounts, tasting as you go to find the perfect balance.
  • Creative Additions: Fresh herbs (like basil or mint), citrus slices, or even spices like ginger and cinnamon can add depth to your sun tea.
  • Shelf Life: Sun tea should be consumed within 24–48 hours. Discard any tea that becomes cloudy or develops an off smell.
  • Eco-Friendly Tip: Compost used tea bags and citrus scraps to minimize waste.
  • Author: tearevive
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Beverages
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: sun tea recipe, how to make sun tea, homemade sun tea, summer tea recipe, iced tea recipe, refreshing summer drinks, sun-brewed tea, sun tea variations, easy tea recipe, southern-style iced tea