How to Make Old Fashioned Sun Tea

I remember when I was a little girl my great grandmother would make what’s called Sun Tea. She would put a big glass jar out with tea bags and water in the middle of the front yard to make some old fashioned sun tea during the hot summer days.

It’s one of those lovely childhood memories. Thinking of her makes me want to put on some Shirley Temple, play some go fish card game and drink some of this sun tea out on the porch, which were things we did together.

Sun tea is a way of making iced tea slowly using just the sun’s heat to brew it. It is easy to make, and just requires a clear container, water, tea bags and a hot, sunny day. Just let it sit out for a few hours (no more than 4 hours) until it reaches your desired strength of tea. I put it in the middle of the front yard, because that’s what my great grandmother would do, but you can put it just out on a deck, as long as the sun can shine on it the whole time. Then put it in the refrigerator to chill.

You can use different kinds of tea bags (green, herbal, etc), but I just use regular black tea. Another option is to make a simple syrup to add to your tea if you like it sweetened. I like it both ways!

Sun Tea Recipe

1. Fill a clear container with fresh water
2. Add 2-4 regular sized tea bags per quart of water used, depending on taste preference. If using family sized tea bags, I would say 2-3 per quart of water used. I use 3 family sized tea bags for this quart jar, but I like my tea strong.
3. Let sit for no more than 4 hours outside in a very sunny location
4. Remove and discard tea bags
5. Put in the refrigerator to cool
6. Serve over ice. Add lemons or sweetener of choice, or serve unsweetened.
7. Enjoy!

Simple Syrup

1. Combine equal parts granulated sugar and water in a saucepan.
2. Heat over low to medium heat, slowly stirring periodically until all the sugar has dissolved.
3. Let cool and add to the tea until desired level of sweetness.