^{This post has been sponsored by Mark T. Wendell. All opinions expressed are my own.}

Is there anything quite like enjoying a tall glass of chilled iced tea on a balmy summer afternoon? Imagine the summer heat punctuated by fruity flavors and rich floral aromatics, all brought together with the two key ingredients: patience and sunshine.

Making sun tea is a nostalgic summer tradition. With just your favorite tea, fresh water, and sunshine, you can brew a naturally sweet, refreshing drink without turning on the stove. Today, we are showing you just how simple it is to make sun tea along with creative variations, tips for safety, and delicious flavor combinations!

What Is Sun Tea & Why You'll Love This Recipe

Sun Tea is made by steeping tea bags in cold water and placing them in direct sunlight for a few hours to 'brew'. The gentle, natural heat from the sun draws out the flavor of the tea slowly, resulting in a smooth, mellow finish. It's a fun, memorable, and easy way to make iced tea this season without any fuss.

Here's why you'll be making sun tea all season long:

No stovetop required - The hotter the temps, the better the tea. This recipe is perfect for those long, hot summer days. Let the sun's rays do all the work while you stay cool.
Versatile - Use your favorite tea or tisane and garnish with fruit or herbs for a dazzling presentation.
Naturally smooth - Did you know that brewing tea slowly under the sun results in low tannins and a gentler flavor?
Beautiful presentation - Whatever the occasion may be, a pitcher of sun tea will add elegance to your next garden party, outdoor cookout, or picnic.

Sun Tea Safety Tips ☀️

Because Sun Tea is brewed without boiling water, it's important to follow a few safety guidelines:

Make sure to use a clean jar or pitcher and filtered water.
Brew for no more than 4 hours. Depending on the temperatures, 3 hours under direct sunlight is what I find works. You'll instantly see the change in color once the tea starts to steep.
Do NOT add any fruit or herbs to your tea while it sits out in the sun. Save all the additives for later when it's time to serve.
Refrigerate promptly after brewing.

Sun Tea Variations

Iced tea in the summer is essential, and I always keep a jug in the fridge ready to go. I love Mark T. Wendell because they have the largest selection of high-quality loose teas on the market, and each season they rotate with new delicious blends.

If you're wondering if you can use herbal teas for today's recipe, the answer is yes. You can use a variety of different teas and blends.

Right now, Mark T. Wendell's Summer Sale has kicked off and runs through August 31st, with savings of 10% on select one-pound resealable bags of loose tea. Plus, when you use 'LivingtheGourmet' at checkout, you'll get a special reader's discount!

Shop their iced tea blends and find your seasonal favorite.

Serving Suggestions

Now let's talk serving suggestions. How can you elevate something so simple to something a little extra?

Fresh fruit - as shown, sliced stone fruits, berries, apples, or citrus add color and flavor!
Herbs - Mint is quintessential in iced tea, but rosemary, basil, and chamomile are also lovely additions.
Edible flowers - For a garden party, I love edible flowers. They add a touch of whimsy to everything.
Fancy ice cubes - You can even add edible flowers to your ice tray or berries as well for added color.
Servingware - Goblets, mason jars, or colorful glassware are just some extra ways to elevate your tablescape.