Sun Tea

Prep: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Sun Tea offers a refreshing, naturally brewed beverage with a mild, soothing flavor profile perfect for warm days. Its simple preparation and clean taste make it ideal for casual gatherings or everyday refreshment, appealing to those who enjoy light, homemade drinks with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

  • 4 tea bags
  • 2 qt. water

Instructions

  1. Buy a Sun Tea pitcher at the General Dollar Store.
  2. Place 4 tea bags into the pitcher.
  3. Pour 2 quarts of water over the tea bags.
  4. Set the pitcher outside in direct sunlight for several hours to brew.
  5. Remove the tea bags once the tea has steeped to your desired strength.
  6. Serve over ice or refrigerate before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a stronger brew, let the sun tea steep longer, up to 6 hours, depending on your taste preference. If you're looking to experiment, try using herbal tea bags or flavored varieties for a unique twist. You can substitute the tea bags with loose leaf tea in a mesh infuser. Always choose a clear pitcher to monitor the brewing process easily.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your sun tea over ice for a refreshing drink on a hot day. It pairs beautifully with light snacks like sandwiches or salads. You can also enhance the flavor by adding fresh mint leaves, lemon slices, or fruit. For a delightful dessert pairing, consider serving it alongside Terrie'S Favorite Ice Cream.

Storage & Reheating

Sun tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to keep it covered to prevent any contamination. If you have leftovers that you want to enjoy later, pour the tea into a sealed container to maintain freshness. Reheat by adding hot water or serve cold over ice.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sun Tea contains roughly 94 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

94 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.1g 4% DV
Total Fat 0.3g
Carbs 23.6g 9% DV
Fiber 4.4g 16% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 18.5mg 1% DV
Potassium 247mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 36.3mg 40% DV
Calcium 71.3mg 5% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of tea for sun tea?

Absolutely! You can use green tea, herbal tea, or flavored varieties like peach or mint. Just remember that different teas may have varying steeping times, so taste your brew periodically to achieve your desired flavor.

What happens if it rains while my tea is brewing?

If it rains, simply bring your pitcher inside and finish brewing it indoors by placing it near a sunny window. The key is to maintain warmth and light, so as long as it remains warm enough, it should still brew nicely.

Is sun tea safe to drink?

Yes, as long as you follow proper brewing and storage guidelines. Make sure to steep for a maximum of 6 hours and refrigerate any leftovers promptly. This helps prevent bacterial growth, ensuring your sun tea is both delicious and safe to enjoy.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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