A Refreshing Summer Tradition
As the days grow warmer and longer, there’s no better time to embrace one of summer’s simplest pleasures: sun tea. Using just a jar, some fresh water, loose leaf tea, and sunshine, you can create a naturally brewed iced tea that’s smooth, flavorful, and delightfully refreshing. Sun tea is an easy way to enjoy your favorite blends without boiling water or heating up the kitchen—just let the sun do the work!
Whether you’re new to sun tea or looking to elevate your summer sipping ritual, here’s everything you need to know about making sun tea with Full Leaf’s premium loose leaf teas.
☀️ What Is Sun Tea?
Sun tea is a method of cold brewing tea using the heat of the sun to gently steep tea leaves over a few hours. Unlike traditional hot brews or overnight cold brews, sun tea slowly infuses in warm sunlight, creating a light, mellow flavor that's perfect for warm weather.
🌿 Why Make Sun Tea?
Sun tea isn’t just charming—it’s practical and delicious. Here are some of the top reasons to try it:
Energy-Efficient : No need to boil water—just set it and forget it.
Smooth Flavor : The gentle brewing method prevents bitterness, especially with green or herbal teas.
Perfect for Summer : It's the ultimate warm-weather drink, made right under the sun.
Customizable : Blend your favorite teas or add fruit and herbs for a personal twist.
Beautiful Presentation : Serve straight from a glass jar for a rustic, picnic-ready aesthetic.
How to Make Sun Tea with Loose Leaf Tea
Making sun tea is incredibly simple. Here’s how to do it:
What You'll Need:
1 large glass jar with a lid (1–2 quarts)
Filtered or spring water
1–2 tablespoons of loose leaf tea per quart of water
A sunny spot
Optional: infuser or reusable tea bag
Steps:
Add tea to your jar. Use a reusable tea bag, stainless steel infuser, or let the leaves steep freely and strain later.
Fill with water. Pour in filtered or spring water—cold or room temperature is fine.
Cover the jar. Seal it with a lid or plastic wrap to keep bugs out.
Place in direct sunlight. Let it steep for 2–4 hours, depending on your desired strength and the type of tea.
Remove the tea leaves. Once brewed, strain out the tea or remove the infuser.
Refrigerate and serve. Chill and pour over ice. Add citrus, mint, or berries for a refreshing twist!
🍋 Best Loose Leaf Teas for Sun Tea
Not all teas are created equal when it comes to sun tea. Here are a few customer-favorite blends from Full Leaf Tea Company that shine in the sun:
Organic Hibiscus
Bright, tart, and vibrant red, hibiscus adds a fruity tang that’s naturally caffeine-free and perfect for iced enjoyment. Shop all blends with organic hibiscus.
Organic Honey Lemon Ginger
Zesty and soothing, this blend is ideal for sipping on a hot day. The lemon and ginger add zing, while the honey-like sweetness balances the cup.
Organic Peppermint
Cool and refreshing, peppermint is a revitalizing herbal option that’s especially great when garnished with fresh leaves or a lemon slice. Shop all blends with organic peppermint.
Organic Passion Tea
This is a tart, herbal blend with a wonderful balance of refreshing and sweet flavors—a perfect summer beverage.
Organic Live Fit Tea
A smooth and citrusy green tea blend that supports energy and hydration—perfect for active summer days.
💡 Tips & Safety Notes
Don’t leave sun tea out too long. Because it brews at lower temperatures, it’s best to steep for no more than 4 hours to reduce the risk of bacteria growth.
Store in the fridge. Always refrigerate your sun tea after brewing and consume within 1–2 days.
Use clean containers. Wash jars and utensils thoroughly before use.
Want a faster brew? Try a cold brew instead—just steep loose leaf tea in cold water in the fridge for 6–12 hours.
🌞 Final Sip
Making sun tea with loose leaf tea is one of the easiest, most satisfying ways to celebrate summer. It’s slow, simple, and oh-so-refreshing. Whether you’re steeping a fruity blend for a picnic or a minty herbal tea to sip on the porch, let the sun do the brewing and the tea do the cooling.
Ready to brew up a jar of sunshine? Explore our loose leaf teas and start your sun tea journey today.
