Sun tea is a simple, low-effort way to brew a large batch of tea using nothing but sunlight and time — a favorite for hot summer days. Here’s how to make it properly, including a few safety notes that are worth knowing.

What You’ll Need

  • A large glass jar (a gallon-size mason jar or similar works well)
  • 4-6 tea bags, or 2-3 tablespoons of loose leaf tea (black tea is traditional, but any tea works)
  • Cold, filtered water
  • A sunny spot outdoors

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Fill your jar with cold water, leaving a little room at the top.
  2. Add your tea bags or loose tea (if using loose tea, use a tea infuser or cheesecloth to make straining easier later).
  3. Seal the jar and place it in direct sunlight for 3-5 hours, depending on how strong you like your tea and how intense the sun is that day.
  4. Check periodically — the water will gradually darken as the tea steeps. Taste-test if you’re unsure it’s ready.
  5. Remove the tea bags or strain out loose tea once it reaches your preferred strength.
  6. Refrigerate immediately and serve over ice.

Why “Sun Tea” Actually Works

The warmth from sunlight speeds up the steeping process compared to cold-brewing indoors, without the bitterness that can come from hot-water steeping. It’s essentially a slow, gentle extraction that many people find produces a smoother-tasting tea than a hot brew cooled down afterward.

An Important Safety Note

Sun tea sits at lukewarm-to-warm temperatures for hours, which is within the range where bacteria can grow more readily than in properly hot-brewed or refrigerated tea. To minimize risk:

  • Use a very clean jar — sanitize it well before use, not just a quick rinse.
  • Don’t leave it out longer than necessary — 3-5 hours is generally considered a safer window than leaving it all day.
  • Refrigerate promptly once it’s done steeping, and don’t leave finished sun tea at room temperature for extended periods.
  • If you’re concerned about food safety at all, a cold-brew method (steeping in the refrigerator overnight instead of the sun) achieves a similar smooth result with less risk, just more time.

Flavor Variations to Try

  • Add a few sprigs of fresh mint or a handful of berries directly to the jar while steeping.
  • Try a mix of black and herbal tea bags for a more complex flavor.
  • Add citrus slices (lemon, orange) either during steeping or when serving.
  • Sweeten with honey or simple syrup after brewing — sugar doesn’t dissolve as easily in cold tea as it does hot.