Grandma’s Classic Sun Tea Recipe
A simple, refreshing sun-powered tea perfect for summer, steeped slowly in sunlight for a light, mellow flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 4 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (8 oz each) 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 gallon (3.8 liters) filtered or spring water
- 6 to 8 black tea bags (Lipton or Twinings recommended)
- Optional sweetener: ½ cup (120 ml) granulated sugar, honey, or agave syrup, adjust to taste
- 1 to 2 fresh lemons, thinly sliced
- A small handful of fresh mint leaves, gently bruised (optional)
- Ice cubes for serving
Instructions
- Clean your 1-gallon glass jar thoroughly with hot soapy water and rinse well.
- Pour 1 gallon of filtered or spring water at room temperature into the jar.
- Add 6 to 8 black tea bags to the water.
- Place the jar outside or on a sunny windowsill for 2 to 4 hours, loosely covered with a lid or cloth to keep bugs out.
- Remove the tea bags, squeezing gently against the jar to extract flavor.
- If desired, stir in ½ cup (120 ml) of sugar, honey, or agave syrup while the tea is still warm.
- Add fresh lemon slices and bruised mint leaves if using.
- Chill the tea in the refrigerator until cold or serve immediately over ice cubes.
Notes
Use good-quality tea bags without added flavors or oils. Cover the jar loosely to prevent contamination. Refrigerate after brewing and consume within 24 hours. Adjust steeping time and tea bag quantity to control strength and bitterness. Fresh lemon and mint add brightness but are optional.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 oz (240 ml)
- Calories: 2
- Carbohydrates: 0.5
Keywords: sun tea, iced tea, summer drink, refreshing tea, black tea, homemade tea, natural beverage