Learn How to Make Sun Tea at Home

What Sun Tea Is and Why People Make It

Sun tea is a beverage made by steeping tea bags or loose tea leaves in cold water and letting the sun's heat do the brewing work over several hours. Unlike hot tea that brews in minutes using boiling water, sun tea takes a slower, gentler approach. The process typically takes between 2 to 8 hours depending on how strong you want the flavor and how much direct sunlight your brewing container receives.

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The origins of sun tea in American households trace back decades, particularly gaining popularity in the Southern United States during the mid-20th century. People appreciated this method because it required minimal effort—simply fill a container with water and tea, set it in the sun, and let nature handle the brewing. No heating bills, no electric kettle to watch, and no risk of boiling water burns.

Sun tea differs from cold brew tea in important ways. Cold brew typically steeps in room-temperature water in a refrigerator or cabinet for 12 to 24 hours, while sun tea relies on warmth from direct sunlight. Cold brew produces a smoother, less bitter flavor because the cooler temperatures extract compounds more slowly. Sun tea develops flavor faster but may taste slightly different due to the warmer temperatures involved.

Many people choose to make sun tea because they enjoy the ritual and the taste profile it creates. The warm infusion produces a lighter, crisper flavor compared to hot-brewed tea, yet fuller than some cold water methods. It's also a practical choice for warm months when heating water indoors seems wasteful, and it works well for large batch brewing when you want tea ready to serve throughout the day.

Practical takeaway: Sun tea is a simple cold-water brewing method that uses sunlight instead of heat to steep tea leaves over several hours, creating a distinctive lighter flavor suitable for warm weather drinking.

Gathering Your Materials and Choosing Tea

Making sun tea requires only a few basic items you likely have at home. The most important piece is a clear glass container—clear glass allows sunlight to pass through while the glass itself can withstand temperature changes. Common choices include mason jars, large glass pitchers, or dedicated sun tea brewing vessels. The container should hold at least one quart, though gallon-sized containers are popular for making larger batches. Avoid using plastic containers for extended periods in direct sunlight, as UV rays can break down plastic materials and potentially release compounds into your tea.

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You'll need filtered or tap water depending on your preference. Some people use filtered water because it contains fewer minerals that might affect taste or create cloudiness in the finished tea. However, tap water works perfectly fine for sun tea in most areas. You'll also want a clean cloth or coffee filter to cover the container's opening—this prevents dust, insects, or debris from falling into your tea during the brewing process.

The type of tea you select significantly impacts the final flavor. Black teas like Assam, English Breakfast, or Darjeeling produce a more robust cup and are popular choices for sun tea. Green teas steep more quickly and create a lighter, more delicate flavor. Herbal teas including chamomile, peppermint, or hibiscus also work well for sun brewing. White teas are delicate and may become too bitter if steeped too long in warm sunlight. Oolong teas produce interesting results with a flavor profile between green and black teas.

You can use either tea bags or loose leaf tea. Tea bags offer convenience and easy removal, while loose leaf tea typically provides better flavor and less paper waste. If you use loose leaf, you'll need a fine mesh strainer or infuser to separate the leaves from the liquid when serving. Start with one tea bag or one teaspoon of loose tea per quart of water as a general guideline, though you can adjust based on how strong you prefer your tea.

Practical takeaway: Gather a clear glass container (at least one quart), filtered or tap water, your chosen tea (black, green, or herbal), and a cloth to cover the opening before you begin.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Brewing Sun Tea

Begin by filling your glass container with water. Use room-temperature or cool tap water—don't start with hot water as this defeats the purpose of sun tea and can affect flavor development. Fill the container to about an inch below the rim, leaving space so the tea won't overflow if you need to move or adjust the container.

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Add your tea to the water. If using tea bags, place them directly in the water—typically one regular-sized tea bag per quart is a good starting point. For loose leaf tea, use approximately one teaspoon per quart of water. Gently stir the mixture to ensure the tea is fully submerged and making contact with the water. If some tea leaves float to the surface, this is normal and they'll eventually sink as they absorb water.

Cover the container's opening with a clean cloth, coffee filter, or cheesecloth secured with a rubber band. This covering prevents insects, dust, and debris from contaminating your tea while still allowing air circulation. Don't use a tight lid at this stage—the tea benefits from air exposure during the brewing process.

Place the container in direct sunlight. A south-facing windowsill, patio table, or garden spot works well. The container should receive consistent sunlight throughout the brewing period. During peak summer months with intense sun, your tea may brew in 2 to 3 hours. During cooler seasons or with less intense sunlight, you might need 4 to 6 hours or longer. You can taste-test the tea every hour or so to determine when it reaches your preferred strength.

Once the tea reaches your desired flavor strength, bring the container indoors and remove the tea bags or strain out the loose leaf tea. Discard the used tea material. Add ice if you want to serve the tea immediately, or transfer it to a pitcher and refrigerate for later use. The finished tea will last about 3 to 5 days when stored in the refrigerator with a lid.

Practical takeaway: Fill your container with cool water, add tea at a ratio of one bag per quart, cover it, place it in direct sunlight for 2 to 6 hours, then strain and chill before serving.

Important Safety Considerations for Sun Tea

While sun tea is generally a safe brewing method, certain precautions help prevent problems. One consideration involves water temperature during the brewing process. The water in a glass container sitting in direct sunlight can reach temperatures between 130 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the ambient temperature and sunlight intensity. This range is warm enough for tea extraction but not hot enough to fully sterilize the water through pasteurization, which typically requires temperatures above 160 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods.

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To address safety concerns, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using water that has been boiled first and then cooled, or using filtered water from a reliable source for sun tea preparation. Alternatively, some health departments suggest moving the finished sun tea to refrigeration promptly and consuming it within a few days. This guidance is particularly important if you're serving sun tea to young children, elderly individuals, or anyone with a compromised immune system.

Pay attention to your container's material. Glass is ideal because it won't degrade in sunlight and won't leach compounds into your tea. If using plastic, ensure it's labeled as food-safe and UV-resistant. Some older plastic containers can break down under prolonged sun exposure and potentially release plastic compounds into beverages. Never reuse containers that previously held non-food items, chemicals, or substances other than beverages.

Store your finished sun tea in the refrigerator once it's brewed and strained. Tea contains compounds that can support bacterial growth if left at room temperature for extended periods. The refrigerator slows bacterial multiplication significantly. If you notice any cloudiness, off-odors, or unusual appearance in stored sun tea, discard it rather than consuming it. Most quality sun tea should stay fresh in a refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

Avoid leaving sun tea sitting in direct sunlight for excessive periods—more than 8 hours usually isn't necessary and can lead to over-extraction and potentially higher microbial counts. During very hot weather, check your tea after 2 to 3 hours as it may reach full strength quickly.

Practical takeaway: Use boiled then cooled water or filtered water, use food-