Making tea that is brewed in the summer sun has been a tradition in the American South for generations. This delicious refreshing drink is called sun tea because of the method in which it is brewed. Placing tea and water in a glass jar and then letting the sun do all the work is an easy and energy efficient way to enjoy tea this summer. This tradition of making tea can be found passed down from southern grandmas, but some people say it might be harmful. With the right practices, tools, and supplies I will teach you how to make safe and delicious sun tea.
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Benefits of sun tea
While there have not been specific studies on sun tea, there is much consternation about its benefits. We know that the sun has the power to boost our mood, help us sleep better, relax our bodies, reduce inflammation, and make our immune systems more resilient. At the most, the sun has the potential to infuse water with some powerful benefits, at the least, its heat brews up a delicious jar of tea. Whichever you choose to believe, you will enjoy this recipe.
Risks of brewing sun tea
Because bacteria thrives in warm conditions, there are some small risks to brewing sun tea. If you follow a few best practices when making sun tea, this should not be a problem:
- Brew at the hottest part of the day for 2 to 4 hours.
- Don’t brew the tea for any longer than 4 hours
- Place the sun tea in the refrigerator as soon as it is done brewing
- Make sure your jar is clean and sanitized before use
- Wash any fresh herbs placed in the jar
- Don’t let the jar sit out in the shade or after sunset-direct sun is best
- Enjoy within a few days
Why you should make sun tea
One of the best parts about making sun tea is not using any appliances or heat in your kitchen. I love that I can throw my favorite herbs and teas in a jar, set it out for a few hours, and we have tea! This brewing method is great for lazy summer days, camping trips, when the power goes out after a summer storm, or if you are trying to impress your southern granny. You can also make a really big batch with whatever teas, herbs, and (edible) flowers herbs you have laying around your house. I like to use fresh herbs from my garden, dried tea from the cupboard, and even fresh or dried summer fruits.
Flavor ideas
- Lavender Chamomile-Brew a handful of both flowers in the sun for a delicate floral infusion.
- Iced London fog-Brew Earl Gray and vanilla, pour over ice and add milk to taste
- Minty green (my favorite)-green tea and fresh or dried mint go into the jar and brew outside for a few hours. Pour over ice and top with lemonade to taste
- Blackberry sage-Add blackberries, sage, and green tea to your jar of filtered water, Brew and enjoy with honey over ice
- Minty peach-Brew fresh peaches and black tea for a few hours in the sun. Add mint simple syrup to taste, serve over ice
Supplies for sun tea
- Half gallon wide mouth mason jar
- A fine mesh sieve for straining out the tea
- Long wooden spoon for stirring
Ingredients for sun tea
Using a high quality filtered water is really important to the safety and flavor of your sun tea. I love to use my British Berkefeld gravity-fed water filtration system and would highly recommend those filters! You also want to use the best loose leaf tea, herbs, flowers, and fruit you can get your hands on. Below is a list of some of my favorite options for ingredients:
- British Berkefeld water filters – the best filtered water by far!
- Mountain Rose herbs – my favorite site for buying all kinds of delicious tea and herbs!
Southern Sun Tea Recipe
Instructions
- Fill a half gallon mason jar mostly full with freshly filtered water
- Add ⅓ cup of your favorite teas or herbs (see flavor ideas above for inspiration!)
- Gently stir to incorporate the ingredients
- Secure lid tightly and place in the sun for 2 to 4 hours
- Sweetened to taste while it’s still warm
- Place in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy
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