How To Make Sun Tea Recipe

I absolutely adore this sun tea recipe because it brings me back to those carefree summer days, capturing the refreshing taste of sunshine in every sip. Plus, it’s the perfect way to experiment with flavors by adding fresh mint or berries, creating a personalized iced beverage that Instagram stories are made for!

The natural brewing process of making sun tea and its sheer simplicity make it a favorite of mine. I use 4-6 bags of black or herbal tea and 4-6 cups of cold, filtered water to create quite the refreshing, almost caffeinated foray into sun tea.

I do not add any sweeteners to this drink, as I typically prefer my beverages unsweetened. Instead, I might throw in fresh mint leaves or some kind of citrus for an extra refreshing punch.

Ingredients

Black tea or herbal tea bags:
Loaded with antioxidants, helps with digestion, gives a small jolt of caffeine.

Cold, filtered water:
Taste that is not altered in any way; it is very important to understanding the flavors of the tea.

Fresh mint leaves:
Aroma that is fresh, aids digestion, lends a taste that is cool.

Citrus slices:
Source of vitamin C, an immune-boosting powerhouse with a punch of flavor.

Berries:
Contains high levels of antioxidants; contributes sweetness and color; promotes heart health.

Sweetener:
Improves taste, modifiable sweetness, delivers power.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4-6 bags of black tea or herbal tea
• 4-6 cups of cold, filtered water
• Optional: Fresh mint leaves, citrus slices, or berries for flavor
• Ice cubes for serving
• Sweetener to taste (sugar, honey, or stevia)

Instructions

1. Choose a large, transparent glass jar or pitcher to begin with. This should have a capacity of at least 4-6 cups of water and be able to hold more than that when filled with an appropriate plant-soil combination.

2. Place 4-6 tea bags in the jar. Black tea or herbal tea work well; choose whichever you prefer.

3. Place 4-6 cups of cold, filtered water in the jar to immerse the tea bags completely.

4. If you wish, you can include some fresh mint leaves, slices of citrus fruit, or a handful of berries into the water to lend an extra layer of flavor.

5. Put a lid or some plastic wrap on the jar, then set it in a sunny spot outside.

6. Let the jar bask in sunlight for 2-4 hours. The sun will softly steep the tea, infusing it with flavor.

7. After the tea has steeped to your preferred strength, remove it from the sun and take out the tea bags. Squeeze any last drops from the bags into the jar before discarding the bags.

8. Incorporate sweetening agents to your liking, be it sugar, honey, or stevia, if you enjoy your tea on the sweet side.

9. Chill the sun tea in the refrigerator until it is completely cold, and then serve it. Or do as I do, and pour your sun tea over ice cubes for an ultra-refreshing drink.

10. Each glass can be garnished with fresh mint and citrus slices or berries to make an attractive presentation that adds extra flavor. Enjoy your homemade sun tea!

Equipment Needed

1. Large transparent glass jar or pitcher with a capacity of at least 4-6 cups.
2. Lid or plastic wrap.
3. Measuring cups.
4. Spoon for stirring.
5. Knife (for slicing citrus or berries, if using).
6. Cutting board (if cutting mint, citrus, or berries).
7. Refrigerator for chilling.
8. Glasses for serving.
9. Ice cube tray (if making ice cubes at home).

FAQ

• Q:Q: Can I use different kinds of tea bags for sun tea?
  A: Yes, you can use various types of tea bags to make sun tea. This can include black, green, or herbal tea bags. Using a variety of tea bags can help create your unique flavor profile.
• Q:How long should you leave the tea bags in the sun? A: You should usually put the tea in the sun for about 2 to 4 hours, depending on how strong you want the flavor.

  List Item: Steep Time (Typical)
  Q: How long?
  A: 2 – 4 hours. List Item: Flavor Strength
  Q: How strong?
  A: Depends on your taste.

• Q:Drinking sun tea is safe.
  A:
  In general, the answer is yes, but use filtered water and make sure the container is clean in order to minimize the risk of bacteria. You might also think about boiling the water first if safety is a concern.
• Q:Is it permissible to put sweetener into sun tea while it is steeping? A: It is best to put sweetener into sun tea once it is done brewing, so you can adjust the taste of the sweetener after the tea has completed its steeping.
• Q:What are my options if the tea turns cloudy? A: Cloudiness can be due to hard water or rapid cooling. Consider using filtered water and allow the tea to cool to room temperature before refrigerating it.
• Q:How am I to store sun tea that is left over? A: Store sun tea that is left over in the refrigerator and drink it in 24 to 48 hours for best taste and safety.
• Q:Is making sun tea possible without direct sunlight? A: You bet! If the sky is overcast, your best bet for brewing the tea is at room temperature. Indoors. Where you can watch it brew. And it won’t take much longer, if at all, than that inhaler of sunshine.

Substitutions and Variations

Tea Bags:
Put 4-6 tablespoons of loose-leaf tea into a tea infuser.
For a more delicate flavor, use tea bags of green tea.
Cold, Filtered Water:
Use distilled water instead of tap water. It makes coffee taste better.
For a whimsical, faraway feel, use coconut water.
Optional Flavor Additions:
Replace mint leaves with basil or rosemary for a different herbal note.
Instead of citrus, use slices of ginger or cucumber.
Sweetener:
Use maple syrup instead of sugar when you want a sweetness that’s deeper and richer.
Substitute agave nectar for honey; it’s a vegan alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Choose the Right Container Use a glass container instead of plastic for making sun tea, as glass better promotes the gentle heating process vital for sun tea. The transparency of the jar also allows the sunlight to penetrate more effectively.

2. Mind the Sunlight Position your jar in direct sunlight for optimal flavor infusion. Make sure to check the steeping process after 2 hours, tasting occasionally, to avoid bitterness from over-steeping.

3. Experiment with Flavors Try blending different types of tea bags for a unique flavor profile, such as a mix of black tea and herbal tea. This can create a more complex and interesting taste.

4. Sweeten While Warm If you plan to sweeten your tea, do it while the tea is still warm. Dissolving sweeteners like sugar or honey is easier when the liquid is warm, ensuring even distribution of sweetness.

5. Safety First Due to the lower temperatures used in sun tea, bacteria can sometimes develop. To mitigate this risk, use distilled or pre-boiled water, and ensure the container and all ingredients are clean. Keep any leftover tea refrigerated and consume it within a day or two.