Summer is in full swing here in Connecticut, and one of my favorite things to do is make Sun tea! Making sun tea is a delightful way to brew tea using the natural warmth of the sun. It’s simple, refreshing, and perfect for sunny days. As a devotee and godspouse to Lugh, this is a beverage I love to sip on as I’m spending quality time with Him. If you make your own brew, please tag me in the photos @untamedpriestess – I’d love to see! Here’s how you can make your own batch of sun tea:
Ingredients:
- 4 to 6 tea bags (black, green, or herbal)
- 1 gallon of cold water
- Fresh mint, lemon, or other herbs and fruit (optional) (Don’t forget your witchy correspondence here – cinnamon for protection, lemon for cleansing etc!)
- Sweetener (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Container: Use a clean, clear glass jar or pitcher that can hold at least one gallon of liquid. Make sure it has a lid or can be covered to keep out bugs and debris.
- Add Tea Bags: Place 4 to 6 tea bags into the jar. Adjust the number based on your preference for stronger or milder tea.
- Fill with Water: Pour cold water over the tea bags, filling the jar. Leave a little space at the top to prevent overflow.
- Sun Exposure: Cover the jar with a lid or plastic wrap. Place the jar in direct sunlight for 3 to 5 hours. The exact time will depend on how strong you want the tea. Generally, 3 hours will yield a lighter tea, while 5 hours will make it stronger.
- Add Flavor (Optional): If you like, add slices of lemon, fresh mint leaves, or other herbs and fruits to infuse extra flavor as it brews.
- Remove Tea Bags: After the brewing time, remove the tea bags and discard them. Avoid squeezing them, as this can make the tea bitter.
- Sweeten (Optional): If you prefer sweet tea, add sugar, honey, or your favorite sweetener to taste while the tea is still warm, stirring until dissolved.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the sun tea until it’s cold, usually about 1 to 2 hours. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices or mint leaves if desired.
Tips:
- Always start with a clean container to prevent bacterial growth.
- Sun tea should be consumed within a day or two and kept refrigerated to ensure freshness.
- Experiment with different types of tea and flavor additions to find your perfect blend.
Enjoy your refreshing, homemade sun tea! 🌞🍹