Classic Homemade Old-Fashioned Sun Tea
A simple, refreshing sun-brewed tea recipe that captures the nostalgic charm of slow-steeped tea in the warmth of the sun. Perfect for summer gatherings and easy to customize with your favorite teas and sweeteners.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes to 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (8 oz each) 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 gallon (3.8 liters) fresh, filtered water
- 6–8 black tea bags (e.g., Twinings English Breakfast or Bigelow Classic Black)
- ½ to ¾ cup (100–150 g) granulated sugar, honey, or agave syrup (optional)
- 1–2 fresh lemon slices (optional)
- A handful of fresh mint sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large glass jar or pitcher with 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of cold, filtered water.
- Add 6-8 black tea bags to the water, adjusting the number for desired strength.
- Place the jar outside in direct sunlight for 4-6 hours, loosely covered with a lid or cheesecloth.
- After 4 hours, check the tea color; leave up to 6 hours if a stronger brew is desired, but do not exceed 8 hours.
- Remove the tea bags, gently squeezing to extract the liquid, then discard them.
- Stir in ½ to ¾ cup (100-150 g) of sweetener if desired while the tea is still warm.
- Add 1-2 thin lemon slices and a handful of mint sprigs; let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
- Refrigerate the tea for at least 1 hour before serving chilled over ice.
Notes
Use filtered or spring water for best flavor. Avoid overbrewing to prevent bitterness. Cover jar loosely to keep out insects but allow sunlight. Sweeten while tea is warm for better dissolving. Refrigerate before serving. Consume within 48 hours and keep refrigerated. For caffeine-free versions, use herbal tea bags. Cold brew in fridge overnight as an alternative if sun is scarce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 oz (240 ml)
- Calories: 530
Keywords: sun tea, iced tea, homemade tea, summer drink, refreshing beverage, black tea, herbal tea, cold brew tea