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
- Fill your jar with cold water, leaving a little room at the top.
- Add your tea bags or loose tea (if using loose tea, use a tea infuser or cheesecloth to make straining easier later).
- 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.
- Check periodically — the water will gradually darken as the tea steeps. Taste-test if you’re unsure it’s ready.
- Remove the tea bags or strain out loose tea once it reaches your preferred strength.
- 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.