Sun Tea Recipe (Classic Jar Method)

Water: The base of the tea, used to extract the flavors from the tea bags.

Black tea: Provides the rich and robust flavor characteristic of sun tea.

To enhance the flavor of your sun tea, consider adding a few slices of citrus fruits like lemon or orange to the jar before placing it in the sunlight. This will infuse the tea with a refreshing, zesty note that complements the black tea perfectly.

• water - Substitute with coconut water: Adds a subtle sweetness and extra electrolytes.

• water - Substitute with sparkling water: Provides a fizzy twist to the classic tea.

• black tea - Substitute with green tea: Offers a lighter flavor and additional antioxidants.

• black tea - Substitute with herbal tea: Provides a caffeine-free option with a variety of flavors.

• To store your sun tea, transfer it to a clean, airtight container. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents any unwanted flavors from seeping in.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. Sun tea can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Always give it a quick sniff before serving to ensure it hasn't gone off.
• If you want to freeze your sun tea, pour it into ice cube trays. This way, you can use the tea cubes to chill your drink without diluting it.
• Once the tea cubes are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date so you can keep track of its freshness.
• When you're ready to enjoy your sun tea, simply pop a few tea cubes into a glass and pour fresh sun tea over them. This keeps your drink cold and flavorful.
• Avoid storing sun tea at room temperature for extended periods, as it can develop bacteria. Always refrigerate or freeze promptly after brewing.
• For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding slices of citrus fruits like lemon or orange to your sun tea before freezing. This adds a refreshing twist to your drink.
• If you prefer a sweeter sun tea, dissolve sugar or honey in the tea while it's still warm, before refrigerating or freezing. This ensures the sweetener blends evenly.

• Pour the sun tea into a microwave-safe mug or cup. Heat it in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overheating.

• Transfer the sun tea to a small saucepan. Warm it over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature.

• If you prefer a more gradual reheating method, place the sun tea in a heatproof container and set it in a larger bowl filled with hot water. Let it sit until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

• For a quick and even reheating, use an electric kettle with a temperature control feature. Pour the sun tea into the kettle and set it to a low temperature, around 160°F (70°C), to gently warm the tea.

• If you have a sous-vide machine, place the sun tea in a sealed bag and submerge it in a water bath set to 160°F (70°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method ensures even heating without altering the flavor.

• Jar: A large glass container with a lid, used to hold the water and tea bags while they steep in the sunlight.

• Lid: Used to cover the jar to keep out debris and insects while the tea is brewing.

• Measuring cup: Useful for measuring out the 8 cups of water accurately.

• Refrigerator: Used to chill the tea after it has finished brewing in the sun.

• Ice cube tray: For making ice cubes to serve the tea over.

• Spoon: Handy for stirring the tea before serving, ensuring an even flavor.

• Tongs: Useful for removing the tea bags from the jar without making a mess.

Use hot water: Speed up the process by starting with hot water instead of cold. This reduces the time needed for the tea to steep.

Pre-chill the jar: Place the jar in the fridge for a few minutes before adding the tea. This helps the tea cool down faster after steeping.

Double the batch: Make a larger quantity at once and store it in the fridge. This saves time on future preparations.

Use a timer: Set a timer for 3-4 hours to ensure you don't forget about the tea and over-steep it.