There’s something magical about letting the sun do the steeping. Sun tea is the taste of slow summer afternoons in a mason jar.

A Sun Steeped Refreshment

I can still remember the glass thermos that grandma would make her sun tea in. It had a yellow plastic handle and literally said, “sun tea” on it. It would be our job to mix it all up, add ice and lemons and carry it out to the field. I’d carry it back to the house empty, still sweating from the condensation and covered in hay and dirty hand prints. We would then enjoy the pitcher we had made just for us. The ones who stayed home to make the meals for the guys in the field.

The secret to this tea recipe is in the name – the sun is what steeps your tea to make this delicious summer drink. Here’s my grandma’s sun tea recipe, but brought into the days when I have ample mint and lavender to add in.

How to make your own jar of Sun Tea

Ingredients:

• 4–6 tea bags (black tea works beautifully, or try herbal like hibiscus or mint)
• 1 quart (or 1 liter) cold water
• 1–2 tablespoons honey or cane sugar (adjust to taste)
• Optional: fresh mint, lemon slices, or a sprig of lavender

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass jar (mason jars work great) or pitcher with fresh water.
2. Add the tea bags, and if you like, toss in a sprig of fresh mint or a lemon slice.
3. Cover loosely and set in a sunny spot outside for 3–5 hours.
4. Remove tea bags, stir in honey or sugar while the tea is still warm from the sun, and chill.
5. Serve over ice with a fresh garnish.

Printable Recipe Card

Tips for making this nostalgic summer drink

• The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor. Just as if you were making tea inside your home the darker the jar gets, the more flavor it will have

• Make sure to use a clean glass container. Avoid using any plastic containers for health and flavor-altering reasons.

• If using herbal teas (like chamomile, lemon balm, or raspberry leaf), you can go longer without bitterness

• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days

---

Why you’ll love this Homemade Sun Tea recipe

• A reward after a day of work: I love setting this tea out in the morning, going to work in our yard, and being rewarded with a glass of homemade iced tea after just a few hours
• This tea can be made any time the sun is shining: It doesn’t have to be the hottest day, and it doesn’t even have to be summertime when you make this drink – as long as your jar is in a spot where it’s getting direct sunlight you are good to go. Keep in mind, however, if you are making your sun tea on a colder day, it might take a longer period of time to brew.
• Add in your own flavoring: To adjust the sweetness you can add liquid sweetener, flavoring syrup, or simple syrup – if you have any of these on hand they work wonderfully to make the tea as sweet as you’d like.

More Summertime Recipes

• Homemade Peach Crisp
• Strawberry Ice Cream Topping
• Brewing Root Beer from Scratch