How to Make Sun Tea (Easy Old-Fashioned Summer Recipe)

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There’s something nostalgic and comforting about making sun tea on a warm summer day.

This old-fashioned homemade drink is simple to prepare and feels like a little tradition of summer—just tea, water, sunshine, and time.

Sun tea is made by steeping tea bags in water outdoors in the sun for several hours, creating a smooth, refreshing drink that’s perfect for porch sitting, summer cookouts, picnics, family gatherings, and slow afternoons at home.

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If you love simple homemade living, sun tea is an easy way to enjoy an old-fashioned summer tradition with minimal effort.

Be sure to check out my Summer Drinks and Summer Iced Tea Recipes for even more refreshing homemade lemonade and iced tea drink ideas perfect for hot weather.

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What Is Sun Tea?

Sun tea is tea that slowly steeps in a jar or pitcher placed outdoors in direct sunlight.

Instead of using boiling water, the heat of the sun gently brews the tea over several hours, creating a smooth and refreshing flavor.

Many people remember making sun tea growing up during summer months, especially in large glass jars sitting on the porch or patio.

Sun Tea Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Steeping Time: 3–5 hours
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

8 cups water
4–6 tea bags (black tea, green tea, or herbal tea)
Ice, for serving

Optional Add-Ins

Lemon slices
Fresh mint
Peach slices
Strawberries
Orange slices
Honey or sugar, to taste

How to Make Sun Tea

Fill the Jar

Fill a large glass pitcher or jar with 8 cups of water.

Add 4–6 tea bags, depending on how strong you like your tea.

Place in the Sun

Cover loosely and place the jar in a sunny spot outdoors.

Let the tea steep for 3–5 hours, depending on the temperature and desired strength.

Remove Tea Bags

Once brewed, remove the tea bags and discard them.

Taste the tea and sweeten if desired.

Chill & Serve

Refrigerate until cold or serve immediately over ice.

Garnish with lemon slices, mint, peaches, strawberries, or orange slices if desired.

Best Teas for Sun Tea

You can customize sun tea with different flavors:

Black tea – classic Southern-style flavor
Green tea – light and refreshing
Mint tea – cooling and garden-fresh
Peach tea – sweet and fruity for summer
Herbal tea – caffeine-free options

Tips for the Best Sun Tea

Use filtered water for the cleanest flavor.
Don’t over-steep or the tea may taste bitter.
Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within 1–2 days for best freshness.
Add fresh fruit or herbs for extra flavor.

Fun Flavor Variations

Peach Sun Tea

Add fresh peach slices for a fruity summer flavor.

Strawberry Lemon Sun Tea

Add sliced strawberries and lemons for a refreshing twist.

Mint Citrus Sun Tea

Use lemon, orange slices, and fresh mint.

Blackberry Sun Tea

Add fresh blackberries for a delicious berry flavor.

If you love nostalgic summer recipes and simple homemade living, sun tea is one of the easiest homemade drinks to make.

It’s refreshing, inexpensive, and perfect for summer holidays, cookouts, picnics, and quiet afternoons on the porch.