Homemade Sun Tea Recipe

This Homemade Sun Tea Recipe Is All You Need This Summer

There’s something magical about summer that brings me back to the simple joys of my childhood—barefoot afternoons, the sound of cicadas in the distance, and a tall glass of iced tea sweating on the porch rail. But not just any tea. I'm talking about sun tea. The kind you leave out on the back patio in a big glass jar, letting the sun do all the work. This post is dedicated to that magic—a homemade sun tea recipe that’s easy, refreshing, and just what you need this summer.

As a food writer and cooking enthusiast, I’ve spent years testing everything from gourmet desserts to weeknight dinner hacks. But honestly? Few things beat the charm and simplicity of sun tea made the Southern way—sweet, iced, with fresh mint, and totally infused with sunshine.

So grab your biggest glass jar, because we’re making the best homemade sun tea you’ll sip all summer.

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What Is Sun Tea—and Why Is It So Loved?

Sun tea is exactly what it sounds like—tea that’s steeped in sunlight rather than boiled water. It’s a method steeped in Southern tradition, perfect for slow summer days when you want something cool, sweet, and soothing.

Instead of boiling water to make iced tea, sun tea allows tea leaves (or bags) to infuse in room-temperature water, slowly developing flavor with the warmth of the sun over several hours. The result is a smoother, less bitter brew that feels more delicate and hydrating—ideal for hot summertime afternoons.

There’s just something so satisfying about it. No stove. No heat in the kitchen. Just water, tea, sunshine, and a little patience.

Loose Leaf vs. Tea Bags: The Tea You Choose Matters

When it comes to making the best sun tea, the type of tea you use plays a big role. I grew up using tea bags because that’s what my grandmother had in her pantry. But after years of experimenting, I can confidently say that loose leaf tea is a total game changer.

Loose leaf teas are less processed, offering more complex flavor profiles and less bitterness than many commercial tea bags. They also allow you to customize your blend—combine black tea with herbs, floral notes, or even dried fruit for a flavored twist.

That said, if convenience is your thing, good-quality tea bags will still give you a delicious drink. Just don’t skimp on flavor—make sure your tea is bold enough to stand up to chilling and ice.

The Best Homemade Sun Tea Recipe (with Mint and a Sweet Twist)

After lots of trial and error (and plenty of taste-testing on my patio), here’s my go-to recipe that’s sweet, minty, and perfectly iced—just how summer tea should be.

Homemade Sun Tea with Mint

Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Brew Time: 3–5 hours

Ingredients:

6 cups filtered water

2 tablespoons loose leaf black tea (or 4 regular black tea bags)

2 tablespoons sugar or honey (adjust to taste)

6–8 fresh mint leaves, slightly crushed

2–4 lemon slices (optional, for added flavor)

Ice, for serving

Equipment:

1 large clear glass jar with lid (at least 1-liter capacity)

Tea infuser or cheesecloth (if using loose leaf tea)

How to Make It:

1. Fill the Jar

Add the 6 cups of filtered water to your clean glass jar.

2. Add Tea

If using loose leaf tea, place it in a tea infuser or wrap in cheesecloth and tie securely. Drop into the jar. If using tea bags, just add them directly.

3. Add Mint and Lemon

Gently crush the mint leaves to release their oils and drop them into the water. Add lemon slices for a citrusy edge.

4. Seal and Sun-Brew

Cover the jar and place it in direct sunlight for 3–5 hours. The longer you leave it, the stronger the flavor.

5. Sweeten It Up

Remove tea and mint, then stir in your sweetener of choice—sugar or honey—until fully dissolved.

6. Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, then pour over ice and enjoy your sun-kissed drink!

3 Kitchen Tools That Make Sun Tea Even Better

Over the years, I’ve found a few key items that really elevate the sun tea experience. Here are three Amazon finds I absolutely swear by:

1. Glass Sun Tea Jar with Spout (1 Gallon)

This sturdy, stylish jar is designed for sun tea—and it even has a spout, making it super easy to pour your drinks without lifting a heavy jar. The wide mouth makes it easy to clean, and it holds enough for the whole family.

“Get the jar on Amazon and make your sun tea experience spill-proof and beautiful—all summer long.”

2. Tiesta Tea – Loose Leaf Black Tea Sampler Pack

If you want to experiment with flavor without committing to one blend, this sampler is your best bet. It includes energizing black teas and unique fruity flavors perfect for sun brewing.

“Grab the Tiesta Tea Sampler and unlock a whole new world of sun tea flavor combinations!”

3. BUZZY Seeds Holiday Mint Growing Kit

Fresh mint makes a huge difference in your tea. With this compact herb-growing kit, you can have it on your windowsill year-round—no garden required.

“Plant, snip, sip—grow your own mint for the freshest tea flavor every time.”

Flavored Variations You’ll Love

Once you’ve mastered the classic, have fun with it! Here are some ways to change things up:

Fruity Peach Tea: Add sliced fresh or frozen peaches before sun-brewing.

Berry Mint Blast: Toss in a handful of raspberries and more mint for a pink-hued sip.

Tropical Vibes: Use green tea with pineapple chunks and coconut flakes.

Citrus Ginger Spark: Add orange slices and a few shavings of fresh ginger for a spicy kick.

Flavored sun teas are a great way to keep things fresh and exciting—perfect for entertaining or just giving yourself a daily treat.

Sun Tea Safety: What You Need to Know

Sun tea is mostly safe, but since it's brewed at lower temperatures, you do need to be mindful of a few things:

Use Clean Equipment: Always wash your jar thoroughly before use.

Filtered Water Only: Avoid using tap water, which may carry bacteria.

Steep Responsibly: Don’t leave tea out for more than 5 hours.

Refrigerate Immediately: After brewing, store in the fridge to keep it fresh.

Use Within 48 Hours: Sun tea is best enjoyed fresh, so don’t let it linger too long.

Why Sun Tea Is the Ultimate Summer Drink

Between the ease, the flavor, and the nostalgia factor, this drink checks every box. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, hydrating, and honestly just so much fun to make. Whether you're hosting a weekend BBQ or stealing a quiet moment in the shade with a book, this sweet, minty iced drink brings all the summer vibes.

Plus, there’s something truly satisfying about watching the sun do its thing—transforming simple ingredients into something special.

Final Sip: My Sun Tea Ritual

Writing this post has brought back so many warm-weather memories—those quiet afternoons watching my sun tea brew on the porch while listening to music or journaling. There’s a rhythm to it that’s deeply grounding.

I invite you to try this recipe exactly as written or tweak it to make it your own. The point is to slow down, soak up the sun, and treat yourself to something homemade and satisfying.

So go ahead—brew up a jar, pour it over ice, and take a long, sweet sip. Because really...

This homemade sun tea recipe is all you need this summer.