Description
Enjoy a refreshing homemade sun tea brewed naturally in the sun. This easy recipe allows you to customize flavors with your favorite tea, herbs, and fruits, making it the perfect drink for warm days. Simply steep in sunlight for a few hours, then serve over ice for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 quart of water
- 4–6 tea bags
- Optional: sweetener (sugar, honey, or agave syrup)
- Optional: fresh herbs (mint, basil, or lemon balm)
- Optional: slices of lemon, lime, or other fruits for flavor
Instructions
- Start by selecting a clean, clear glass jar or pitcher (1-gallon or quart-sized).
- Fill the jar with 1 quart of water. If using tap water, let it sit to dissipate chlorine; filtered water is recommended for a cleaner taste.
- Choose your tea bags (4-6) based on your preferred strength. Mix different types for a unique flavor.
- Add optional fresh herbs or fruit slices for extra flavor.
- Cover the jar with a lid or plastic wrap to keep debris out.
- Place the jar in a sunny spot outside (patio table or windowsill) for 3 to 5 hours, depending on desired strength.
- Relax and enjoy the sunshine while the tea brews.
- After brewing, carefully bring the jar inside, being cautious of the hot glass.
- Remove the tea bags, gently squeezing them to extract flavor without bitterness.
- Add sweetener to taste, stirring well to dissolve.
- Serve over ice, garnished with additional fruit slices or fresh herbs if desired.
- Store any leftover tea in the refrigerator, best enjoyed within a few days.
Notes
- Experiment with different tea blends, fruits, and herbs to find your perfect combination.
- For a caffeine-free option, use herbal tea bags.
- If sunlight is not available, consider making cold brew tea by steeping in the refrigerator overnight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 180-300 minutes