Sun Tea – Summer in a Jar

I adore the rituals of tea, good tea. I like the comfort and cozy of a good pot of tea in the colder months. However, when the warm weather arrives I love my sun tea. It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy the taste and benefits of tea without heating up the kitchen.

I remember years ago someone gave me a big jar with a spigot on it and the words “sun tea” written on the side. I am sure I ditched it in the years when Greg and I seemed to be moving often and to apartments with tiny kitchens. No special equipment is required, and certainly not something you need to find storage for. I use mason jars because I always seem to have them on hand, but any large and clean glass jar will do.

I Like My Sun Tea Simple

I confess that I am a bit of a snob when it comes to tea and I am not a fan of most herbal or fruit teas, but they will work as well. Whatever your preference, I encourage you to use a good quality tea for the best results. If you are using a tea bag, be sure to secure the tag outside the jar and screw the top down on the string. You do not want the ink from the tag to steep along with your tea!

If you are feeling creative, summer also offers some great options. While it never occurs to me to do things like this in the colder months, I am far more likely to pick a leaf or two from my mint plant and stick it in the jar. A girlfriend of mine likes to put in a slice of peach or a few raspberries. I really prefer an uncomplicated tea.

Sun Tea is Easy

Simply fill the jar with water (I use filtered) and put your tea bag or tea ball in it and set it out in the sun. Within a few hours, you have a lovely jar of brewed tea. There really is no magic to how long it should steep. I usually leave it out for about 4 hours, but I have forgotten about the jars until the next morning and it was fine. Pull the teabag out and put the jar in the fridge until you are ready to enjoy it.

Happy Summer to those who are in it!
Georgia