What is Sun Tea?
Sun tea is a popular and easy way to make iced tea. Instead of using heat, sun tea is made by steeping tea leaves in cold water in the sun. The sun's heat and ultraviolet light naturally break down the tea leaves, releasing their flavors into the water.
Sun Tea vs. Regular Tea
Sun tea and regular tea both popular methods of making tea. Regular tea is brewed using hot water, while sun tea is brewed using cold water and the heat of the sun. Sun tea is made by placing tea bags or loose tea leaves in a jar of water and letting it sit in the sun for several hours. The heat from the sun causes the tea to slowly infuse into the water, creating a milder and less bitter taste compared to regular tea. Regular tea, on the other hand, is made by steeping tea leaves or tea bags in hot water for a short period of time. This method results in a stronger and more full-bodied flavor, but may also bring out a more bitter taste if oversteeped. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method may depend on personal preference, time, and available resources.
History of Sun Tea
The origin of sun tea is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the southern United States during the 1960s and 1970s, when people started making iced tea without boiling the water. This was a time when people were becoming more aware of the health benefits of tea and were looking for ways to make tea that was both refreshing and healthy. Sun tea quickly became a popular way to make iced tea because it was easy to make and required no special equipment.
Making Sun Tea Safely
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make sun tea safely:
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Choose your tea leaves: The Tea Spot's Boulder Blues blend is a great choice for sun tea as it has a light and refreshing flavor. Any green or white tea or tea blend will lend itself well to being made into sun tea with its shorter steeping time. Sun tea made from green or white tea leaves has been known to have various health benefits. These teas are rich in antioxidants, which help to protect cells from damage and boost overall health.
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Fill a Mason jar with cold water: Use enough water to fill the pitcher to your desired level.
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Add tea leaves: Depending on how strong you like your tea, add 2-3 teaspoons of tea leaves per every 8 ounces of water. Making sun tea with tea bags is just as easy and straightforward as making sun tea with loose leaf tea: we offer a variety of tea bags and iced tea bags, including green and white tea blends, that would work well for sun tea.
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Attach the Craft Cold Brew Filter to the Mason jar and place in a sunny spot: Make sure the pitcher is not in direct contact with any surfaces that may contain harmful bacteria.
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Steep the tea: Allow the tea to steep for about 3 to 4 hours. Be sure to periodically check the temperature of the water, as it should not exceed 140°F.
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Refrigerate the tea: Once the desired strength is reached, remove the tea leaves and store the tea in the refrigerator to cool. Refrigerating the sun tea as soon as possible helps to prevent the growth of bacteria.
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Serve and enjoy: When serving, make sure to use clean glasses and utensils, and never drink sun tea if it has been sitting at room temperature for more than 8 hours.
Flavor Add-Ins & Sweetener Ideas for your own Sun Tea Recipe:
Once your sun tea is cool, it’s your canvas. Here are some favorite add-ins:
Fresh & Fruity:
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Lemon or orange slices
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Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
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Sliced cucumber or watermelon
Herbal Boosts:
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Mint sprigs
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Basil leaves
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Lavender buds (just a pinch!)
Sweeten it up:
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Simple syrup (dissolves easily when cold)
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Agave nectar
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Honey (works best stirred in while tea is still slightly warm)
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Maple syrup (surprisingly amazing in chai blends!)
Bonus tip: Freeze extra tea in ice cube trays so your glass never gets watered down.
Sweetening and Flavoring Sun Tea
Sun tea is a versatile drink that can be sweetened and flavored to suit your personal taste. Some popular ways to sweeten sun tea include using sugar, honey, or agave. To add flavor, you can also add fresh fruits, such as lemon or mint, or fruit juices. When adding sweeteners and flavors, it is best to wait until the tea has been refrigerated and cooled. This allows you better to judge the strength and flavor of the tea, and adjust accordingly. If you prefer your tea less sweet, start with a small amount of sweetener and add more if needed. With sun tea, it's easy to customize the flavor to your liking and make a delicious and refreshing drink.
Enjoy your safely brewed sun tea!
Following these simple guidelines, you can safely enjoy a delicious and refreshing glass of sun tea while reaping its health benefits. So sit back, relax, and let the sun do the work while you enjoy a perfect cup of tea!
Sun Tea FAQs
How long should sun tea brew?
Sun tea should steep in direct sunlight for 3 to 4 hours. That’s enough time for the tea to infuse fully without encouraging unwanted bacteria. If the sun isn’t strong, lean closer to 4 hours—just don’t leave it out all day!
Is it 'suntea' or 'sun tea'?
Good question! It’s sun tea—two words. Some folks run it together informally, but if you’re writing it out or labeling a jar, stick with “sun tea.”
Can I use any tea for sun tea?
Most teas work great, but green, white, or herbal teas are especially lovely with this gentle steeping method. We don’t recommend pu’erh or matcha for sun tea. If you're not sure, check the label—if it's good cold brewed, it’ll work beautifully here.
Is sun tea safe?
Yes—as long as you follow basic food safety guidelines. Use clean jars, fresh filtered water, and refrigerate immediately after steeping. And if it looks cloudy or smells off, toss it.
Do I have to use a glass jar?
Glass is ideal since it’s non-reactive and lets the sun in, but any clean, food-safe container with a lid will do. Just avoid metal or containers not meant for food.
Can I make sun tea with tea bags?
Totally! Just toss in 4–6 tea sachets per quart of water. If you're using our large iced tea pouches, 1 per quart is usually perfect.
How long does sun tea last?
Drink it within 2 to 3 days of brewing and keep it refrigerated. It's freshest on day one, but still tasty the next couple days if stored properly.