Sun Tea

Published on August 18, 2015 | By |

Making sun tea is fun and easy. Caffeine-free herbal teas are hydrating for the body and are more flavorful than plain water.

In the warmer weather, I like to keep myself in a steady supply of sun tea by setting a jar out in the sun each morning and then popping it in the fridge at the end of the day. By the time I’ve drank with the previous day’s tea, I have a fresh batch ready to go.

If you don’t have a sunny location to brew your tea or you just want it more quickly, then simply pour hot water over the tea bags in your container. Allow to steep for 5 minutes, remove tea bags, sweeten and chill.

Some teas I like to use: Rooibos, Green Tea, Peach Tea, Peppermint Tea, Green Tea Blueberry or Pomegranate, Lemon Ginger, Cranberry. Flavors may also be combined.

Ramp it up, by using fresh herbs from the market or your garden – simply combine a handful of fresh herbs with water and set it out in the sun.

I typically use about 1/4 c. of fresh herb per cup. So, for a half gallon of tea (which is 8 cups), use 2 cups of fresh herbs to 8 cups water.

Place the herbs in first, top off with water, cover with a secure lid, give the contents a good shake, and leave in full sun for 5-8 hours, depending on how intense of a flavor you wish to achieve..

My favorites are mint, lemon verbena and pineapple sage. You can add a green tea bag into your herbal tea for a little bit of caffeine and the antioxidants.

Ingredients

Tea bags or fresh herbs of your choice
Water
Glass container with a tight-fitting lid

Instructions

1. Fill a large glass jar with water, add your favorite tea bags and cover with lid. Use approximately 8 tea bags per gallon of water (1 tea bag for every 2 cups of water).
2. Place in sun for 4 hours or more and let the shining rays pour in heat and energy, bringing out the wonderful tea flavors. Timing is not critical, you can leave it set in the sun all day.
3. Once sufficiently steeped (the water has darkened in color and you are happy with the flavor), take the tea bags out and sweeten with honey or stevia if desired. Serve at room temperature or cold over ice. Garnish with lemon or fresh mint leaves.