Sun Tea

Skill Level: Beginner

Skills Attained: Brewing Tea

Supplies:

• Glass beverage container (one gallon)
• Water (one gallon)
• 6-8 tea bags of preferred tea
• 1 c. white sugar (optional)
• Sunlight!

One thing I love about summertime is making sun tea! Sun tea is simply allowing tea to steep in the sunlight rather than boiling water. I don't know why I enjoy sun tea so much; perhaps it's just the idea that the weather is warm enough and the sun is shining enough to make this refreshing beverage. It's very simple and straightforward, so I hope you give it a try if you've never made sun tea before. 

Fill a glass beverage container with water. A few years ago, I bought this "sun tea" container at the grocery store. I think I paid $5 for it. You can use any glass pitcher or jug you may have available. I wouldn't use plastic as I don't think the tea will steep as well and it may affect the flavor. 

Add the tea bags to the jug of water. I generally use 6 - 8 individual size tea bags, but you can increase that if you like a stronger tea. I've made many variations to my tea and usually use whatever tea bags I have on hand: white, green, black, etc. I use various combinations, and recently, I tried earl grey with blueberry hibiscus tea. It was delicious!

Add sugar, if you desire. I generally add 1 cup of white sugar. You could also use zero calorie sweetener or honey. If you desire unsweetened tea, omit the sugar altogether, and add more if you like it more sweet. I call my tea, "sweet enough for me tea". I come from the North, so my Southern friends don't think my tea is sweet at all;) 

Fasten the lid on your container, and set it in the sunlight for at least a few hours. There is not an exact science to this. You'll see the water darkening [steeping] over time. Once the tea is finished basking in the sun, transfer the container to the refrigerator and chill until ready to serve. You can also speed up the chilling process by simply adding ice to a glass.

Happy steeping! Enjoy the sunshine:)

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