On hot summer days, you want a refreshing drink. What could be more perfect than a pitcher of iced tea brewed in the sun? Let me share my tips on how to make sun tea, plus the best ways to store and serve it.
What is Sun Tea?
Sun tea is simply tea that has been brewed using the power of the sun instead of being heated on the stove or using a kettle.
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The heat of the sun warms the water to the perfect temperature for brewing tea, and because it’s a slow process, the tea doesn’t become bitter.
Iced tea brewed by the power of the sun is a refreshing summertime drink. All you need is water, tea bags, and the sun. But it can be tricky to make sun tea correctly without ruining it (too bitter).
We’ve got you covered with our easy tips on how to make perfectly brewed tea every time.
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A Word About Water
As with any other type of tea, the quality of the water you use will affect the taste of your sun tea. I recommend using cold filtered water, if possible, instead of straight tap water. This will help to remove any impurities that might affect the taste of your tea.
If you can’t filter your water, at least let it sit for a few hours so that the chlorine has a chance to dissipate.
The Best Sun Tea Pitchers
Glass is preferred over plastic containers. Not only does it look nicer, but it’s also better for the environment. When plastic is heated, it can release toxins into whatever liquid it is holding. This is why I recommend avoiding plastic sun tea pitchers.
You’ll also want a pitcher that’s large enough to hold at least 2 quarts (64 ounces) of liquid so that you can make a big batch.
If you’re looking for a nice glass pitcher to brew your tea in, here are a few of my favorites:
- 1. Mueller Cold Brew Coffee and Tea Maker with Mesh Filter (great for using loose leaf teas)
- 2. Aofmee Glass Pitcher with Scale Line
- 3. Bormioli Rocco Fido Square Glass Jar
Make sure to choose a glass pitcher that is clear and has a wide opening. A wide opening will make it easier to add the tea bags and water, and it will also allow the sun to reach all of the water easily. Wide mouth mason jars are another great option for sun tea.
You’ll also want to make sure that your pitcher has a tight-fitting lid. This is important because you don’t want anything getting into your tea while it’s brewing.
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How to Make Sun Tea (recipe)
The key to making perfect brewed tea is steeping the tea for the correct amount of time. If you steep it for too long, the tea will become bitter. If you don’t steep it long enough, the tea will be weak and watery.
To make sun tea, you’ll need:
- A glass jar or pitcher
- Water
- Tea bags
- Sunshine!
Here’s how to brew sun tea:
1. Fill your jar or pitcher with cold water. Add 1 regular tea bag per 8 ounces (1 cup) of water. (8 teabags for 2 quarts or 16 tea bags for 1 gallon.) If you are using larger gallon-sized tea bags or loose tea leaves, follow the package directions.
Note: If you want stronger tea, you can add an extra 1-2 tea bags for every 32 ounces.
2. Place a lid on the jar and place it in direct sunlight. Let it brew for 3-4 hours.
3. Remove the tea bags after 4 hours and enjoy your sun tea!
How long does sun tea take?
The brewing time for sun tea can vary depending on the type of tea you’re using, the strength you want your tea to be, and how hot it is outside. In general, it takes 3-4 hours to brew sun tea.
The Best Type of Tea to Use
The best type of tea to use for sun tea is black tea. Black tea is the most robust and will withstand the longest brewing time without becoming bitter.
Green tea and white tea are more delicate and should be brewed for a shorter time. If you brew them for too long, they will become bitter. So green and white teas are NOT recommended.
Herbal teas are also not recommended because they will become very weak if brewed for too long. The water temperature showing this brew method also doesn’t get hot enough to release all of the flavors from the herbs.
Tea Bags or Loose Leaf Tea?
This question really is a matter of preference. I like loose leaf teas because you can find a wide variety of high-quality teas. But tea bags are easier to use and usually less expensive.
To brew loose leaf tea, use about 1 teaspoon of tea per 8 ounces (1 cup) of water. You’ll need a tea infuser to hold the leaves while they brew. I like this one because it’s easy to use and clean.
Here are a few loose leaf tea brands I like and recommend:
If you use tea bags, I recommend using pyramid tea bags filled with whole leaf tea. Whole leaf tea gives you the best flavor. The bag shape gives the leaves more room to expand and release their flavor.
Here are a few tea bag brands that I recommend:
How to Make Sun Tea
Ingredients
- A glass jar or pitcher
- Water
- Tea bags
- Sunshine!
Instructions
- Fill your jar or pitcher with cold, filtered water. Add 1 regular tea bag per 8 ounces (1 cup) of water. (8 teabags for 2 quarts or 16 tea bags for 1 gallon.) Note: If you want stronger tea, you can add an extra 1-2 tea bags for every 32 ounces.
- Place a lid on the jar and place it in direct sunlight.
- Let the tea brew for 3-4 hours.
- Remove the tea bags after 4 hours and enjoy your sun tea!
- Refrigerate tea immediately after brewing and consume within 24 hours.
FAQS
Can you make sun tea without boiling water?
It’s important to start with cold water when using this brew method so that you don’t overheat the water and ruin the tea. Boiling water is not necessary.
How long can you store sun tea?
Sun tea should be stored in the fridge and consumed within 24 hours. After that, it’s best to throw it out.
Can I add sweetener to my sun tea?
Yes, you can add sugar, honey, or any other sweetener to your sun tea. I like to add a simple syrup after the tea has been brewed so that it doesn’t affect the brewing time. You can also add powdered lemonade mix instead of sugar for an Arnold Palmer.
Is Sun Tea Dangerous?
No, it is not dangerous. Tea slowly brewed with fresh cold water is safe to drink. However, if the water has been sitting out in the sun for more than 4 hours, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria. So it’s important to brew your tea and then refrigerate when it’s done.
How to Store Sun Tea?
Now that you know how to make sun tea, here are a few tips on storing it:
Sun tea should be stored in the fridge and consumed within 24 hours. After that, it’s best to throw it out because it can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
How to Serve Sun Tea?
Sun tea can be enjoyed plain or with a little bit of sugar, simple syrup, honey, or lemon. It can be served hot, warm, or cold over ice. I like to add a few slices of lemon or orange and serve it over ice. If you want to get fancy, you can make an Arnold Palmer by adding some lemonade or lemonade powder to your tea.
Brewing sun tea is a great way to enjoy a refreshing drink on a hot day. Follow my tips to create the perfect cup of tea. Don’t forget to share this easy how-to with your friends so they can learn how to make sun tea too!
For more summertime recipes, here are a few ideas you won’t want to miss:
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