Sun Tea Recipe
How to make sun tea is easy: tea bags steep in filtered water in the sun for 1 to 4 hours, making a smooth, mellow summer drink.
Servings 8 cups
Calories 0.01kcal
Ingredients
- 8 cups filtered water
- 4-5 bags black tea (pekoe, earl grey, English breakfast)
- sweetener for serving
- lemon slices for serving
Fruit Tea
- 4-5 bags fruit tea (hibiscus, berry blends, peach)
Herbal Tea
- 4-5 bags herbal tea (peppermint, chamomile, lemon balm)
Instructions
- Fill a 2-quart or large glass jar or pitcher with 8 cups filtered water. Add 4-5 bags black tea bags. If the bags have paper tags, you can tie them together and hand them over the edge. Cover the jar loosely with a lid or plastic wrap (to keep out debris and bugs).
- Place in a sunny spot outside or on a windowsill in direct light for 1 to 4 hours, depending on the type of tea you choose.
- Taste test the tea after 1 hour. For a lighter tea, check and remove the bags now. For a stronger brew, continue steeping and taste hourly (but no longer than 5 hours to avoid bitterness).
- Serve immediately over ice or chill in the fridge before serving with lemon slices and sweetener, if desired.
Notes
Steeping Time: Black tea usually brews fastest and is often ready in 1 to 2 hours, though the exact time depends on the sun and how strong you like your tea. It can steep for up to 4 hours.
Tea Options: Green tea makes a lighter, more delicate pitcher and usually steeps in 1 to 2 hours, so start tasting early. Fruit tea can steep for 1 to 4 hours, and hibiscus blends add bold color and tangy flavor. Herbal tea is usually ready in 2 to 3 hours, but delicate varieties like chamomile should be checked early to avoid bitterness.
Container: Use a clear glass jar or pitcher for brewing sun tea. Plastic should be avoided in direct sunlight.
Storage: Once brewing is complete, refrigerate the tea promptly and drink it within 1 to 2 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 8ounces | Calories: 0.01kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.001g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 0.2mg | Calcium: 7mg
