How to Make Sun Tea

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Learn the best method for making a delicious batch of sun tea. This recipe even includes instructions on infusing fruit into your sun tea for an added treat.

I will admit it. I have a BAD Starbucks habit. Any time I take my kids somewhere (gymnastics, play date, supermarket, really anywhere), I “reward” myself with Starbucks. This tea has changed me. (Also, this iced peach tea recipe)

Now, I look forward to coming home to this refreshing sun tea. The infusion of fresh nectarines makes this summery drink extra special. Add a little agave nectar (or your favorite sweetener) and this drink is perfectly refreshing.

This tea also brings me back to my childhood. I don’t know about you, but I have so many memories of my mom putting her sun tea container out on the porch as soon as the sun rose. I think she looked forward to it every year – when it was finally warm enough to make a nice batch of sun tea. There isn’t anything else like it.

I love that it’s one of those frugal drinks that anyone can enjoy. You can really use any tea bags you have on hand and just need water and sugar. I use nectarines in this recipes, but they are really optional.

You can purchase a container specifically made for sun tea (affiliate link), but any large drink dispenser will do. We received our drink dispenser as a wedding gift and it works perfectly.

You may also like Instant Pot Iced Tea or Watermelon Agua Fresca

How to make sun tea

Making sun tea is very easy. It just takes a little bit of sunshine and time. Here is how you make sun tea:

• Fill a large drink dispenser with water and tea bags.
• Add your favorite sweetener.
• Add sliced nectarines.
• Place in direct sunlight for 4-6 hours.
• Once darkened, place in the refrigerator to cool.
• Serve over ice.

Serve this with Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake

Sun Tea

Aileen Clark

Learn the best method for making a delicious batch of sun tea. This recipe even includes instructions on infusing fruit into your sun tea for an added treat.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 60 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 2 iced tea sized tea bags or 4-6 regular tea bags
• ▢ 2 nectarines sliced
• ▢ Agave nectar to taste

Instructions

 

• Add tea bags to empty drink dispenser. 
• Fill with cold water and top with sliced nectarines.
• Cover with lid and set outside in a sunny spot for at least 4-6 hours until the tea is a dark amber color.
• Remove tea bags and sliced nectarines.
• Refrigerate.
• Serve over ice.

Notes

I prefer to sweeten my tea by the glass as some of my guests prefer an unsweetened iced tea. If you want to sweeten the whole batch, pour agave nectar or simple syrup in the bottom of the container before adding any other ingredients.

Nutrition

Calories: 60kcal

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Sweet tea is a delicious and frugal way to enjoy a cool glass of iced tea in the afternoon. I love that it stays fresh in my refrigerator for several weeks.