How to Make Sun Tea Safely

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Alright, let’s talk about sun tea.

There’s just something about it that feels like summer. Iced tea steeping on the porch, the sun doing all the work, and me feeling like a pioneer woman.

It’s easy, nostalgic, and honestly kind of magical to watch that golden color deepen through the glass. I use this 1-gallon glass mason jar and it’s perfect… classic, big enough for a few glasses, and cute enough to leave out.

But here’s the thing I didn’t realize until a few years ago… it can also be a little risky. Turns out, just because the sun feels warm doesn’t mean it’s actually hot enough to kill off the stuff we don’t want brewing with our tea.

So in this post, I’m walking you through exactly how to make sun tea safely. No kitchen thermometers required.

What Is Sun Tea

If you’ve never made sun tea before, it’s exactly what it sounds like. You pop a few tea bags into a big jar of water, set it in a sunny spot, and let nature do the steeping.

The idea is simple, and honestly, kind of brilliant. You end up with a lightly brewed, super smooth iced tea that feels softer than your average boil-and-chill version. Plus, it makes you feel like you’re doing something very wholesome, even if you’re just watching it from inside with a fan on full blast.

But while the vibes are peak summer, there’s one tiny issue that doesn’t get talked about enough… and that’s where we’re headed next.

Why Sun Tea Can Be Unsafe

Here’s the deal: sun tea looks harmless, but the temperature it reaches while sitting outside usually isn’t high enough to kill bacteria. Most harmful microbes start to die off at around 130°F (54°C). And your sun tea is probably lounging somewhere around 100°F (38°C) on a warm day. Not hot enough.

That makes it a cozy little petri dish for bacteria like Alcaligenes viscolactis, which, yes, sounds like a spell gone wrong but is actually just a microbe that loves lukewarm water. If you’ve ever seen cloudy sun tea or weird strands floating around in it, that’s a no-go. Toss it.

Not to freak you out, but if we’re going to make slow, cozy drinks in glass jars, we might as well make sure they don’t come with an accidental side of food poisoning. Don’t worry though—this is super easy to fix, and I’ll show you how in the next section.

How to Make Sun Tea Safely

Alright, now that we know why safety matters, let’s make sure your sun tea turns out as dreamy as it looks and won’t send you Googling symptoms later. Here’s how to do it right:

What to Do:

• Use a clean glass container. Rinse it well before each use. I keep a bottle brush set like this under the sink just for cleaning tea jars. It makes a difference.
• Stick to filtered water. It tastes better.
• Choose black or green tea. Caffeinated teas naturally help fight bacteria. Herbal teas? Not so much unless you refrigerate fast.
• Steep in full sun for no more than 2 to 3 hours. That’s your sweet spot for flavor without giving bacteria a chance to move in.
• Refrigerate immediately. Once steeped, pop it in the fridge. Don’t let it hang out on the counter. I pour mine into a glass pitcher with a lid. Much easier to store and pour.
• Drink it within 2 to 3 days. Fresh is best.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t use herbal teas if you plan to drink it over days. They don’t have the same antimicrobial benefits.
• Don’t leave your tea out all day. More time doesn’t mean stronger tea, it means more risk.
• Don’t reuse tea bags. You’re not saving money, you’re collecting bacteria.
• Don’t skip the fridge step. Even if it smells fine, bacteria don’t always announce themselves.

This version of sun tea is just as easy and way safer.

The Best Teas for Sun Tea

Some teas definitely hold up better (and safer) than others. Here’s what works best:

Black Tea

Classic for a reason. It’s bold, smooth, and has natural antimicrobial properties thanks to the caffeine and tannins. Think English Breakfast or Earl Grey, especially if you want a stronger flavor after chilling.

Green Tea

A little more delicate but still a solid choice. It gives you a lighter, fresher taste that’s great with a lemon slice or some mint. Just don’t over-steep or it’ll get bitter.

Mint + Green Combo

Add a few sprigs of fresh mint to green tea, and suddenly you’ve got something that feels like a spa drink. Just make sure to refrigerate right after steeping since mint is fresh produce. I keep this indoor herb garden kit on my windowsill for moments like this.

Rooibos

Naturally caffeine-free and super smooth, rooibos is a nice herbal option. It’s safe to use if you chill it right away. Don’t let this one sit out too long or drink it over the course of a week. Herbals are more finicky.

If you want to experiment, I love this organic tea sampler… black, green, rooibos, and herbals all in one.

Safe Sun Tea Recipe

Here’s the easiest way to make sun tea without inviting unwanted guests (aka bacteria) to the party. You only need a few basics and a little sunshine.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 large glass jar (1-gallon size is perfect)
• 6–8 tea bags (or about 2 tablespoons loose leaf in a tea infuser)
• Filtered water
• A sunny spot (patio, windowsill, front steps…)
• Optional: lemon slices, mint, or fruit (added after steeping)

How to Make It:

1. Fill your clean glass jar with filtered water.
2. Add your tea bags or infuser.
3. Cover loosely (a lid or a clean cloth is fine).
4. Set it in full sun for 2 to 3 hours max.
5. Remove the tea bags once it’s steeped to your liking.
6. Sweeten if you want with honey, date syrup, or a splash of vanilla simple syrup. I use this organic date syrup for a cozy caramel touch.
7. Refrigerate immediately.
8. Enjoy within 2 to 3 days.

Cozy Flavor Boosters (Optional But Delicious)

Sun tea is great on its own, but a few simple add-ins can make it taste like something you’d pay for at a fancy café.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to level it up:

Fresh Lemon Slices

Add them after steeping for a bright, citrusy kick. They also help balance any bitterness if you left your tea out a little too long.

A Sprig of Fresh Mint

Cool, refreshing, and perfect with green tea. Bonus points if you slightly crush the mint before tossing it in.

Sliced Strawberries or Peaches

This is summer in a glass. Add after chilling for a fruity twist that feels a little fancy without trying too hard.

Vanilla-Infused Simple Syrup or Date Syrup

A splash of something sweet can round things out, especially for stronger teas. Keep it natural and use just a little. This one is made from 100% Medjool dates and tastes amazing.

Add-ins go in after the steep and cool-down to keep your tea safe and fresh. And if you’re making a batch to impress guests, just pop some fruit and herbs into each glass for max visual charm.

FAQs About Sun Tea