Bask in the simplicity of summer with homemade Sun Tea, a refreshing and eco-friendly drink that harnesses the power of direct sunlight for a gentle, natural brew. This no-boil method requires just water, your favorite tea bags—whether black, green, or herbal—and a few hours of sunshine to create a smooth, mellow flavor perfect for warm-weather days. Enhance your tea with optional add-ins like a splash of lemon, a sprig of fresh mint, or a touch of sweetness from sugar or honey. Serve this chilled delight over ice for a thirst-quenching beverage that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply relaxing on the porch, Sun Tea brings an effortless charm to every sip. Don't forget to savor its peak freshness within 24 hours! Perfect keywords: "Sun Tea recipe," "summer drinks," "no-boil tea," "refreshing iced tea."
Start by selecting a clean, clear glass or plastic container with a lid. A 2-quart pitcher or mason jar works perfectly.
Pour 8 cups (2 quarts) of cold, filtered water into the container.
Add 4 tea bags of your choice to the water. Use black tea for a classic flavor, green tea for a lighter taste, or herbal tea for a caffeine-free option. Ensure the strings of the tea bags are hanging over the rim of the container for easy removal later.
Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap to keep out debris and insects.
Place the container in direct sunlight for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the tea will brew slowly as it soaks up the sun's warmth. Avoid leaving the tea out for longer than 4 hours to prevent over-brewing or bacterial growth.
After brewing, carefully remove the tea bags and discard them. If you prefer sweetened tea, stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar or honey while the tea is still warm.
Transfer the Sun Tea to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
When ready to serve, pour the tea over ice cubes in glasses. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint for a refreshing touch.
Store any leftover tea in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for the best flavor and freshness.
Calories |
118 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.2 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 59 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.8 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.9 g | ||
| Protein | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 124 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 0.2 mg | 1% | |
| Potassium | 65 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.