Looking for a refreshingly simple way to beat the heat? Dive into the world of homemade Iced Citrus Sun Tea, where the sun does all the work for you! This delightful beverage combines the vibrant flavors of citrus with your choice of tea, creating a thirst-quenching drink that's perfect for warm days. Imagine sipping on a glass of this sunny concoction while lounging in your backyard—sounds tempting, right? With just a few ingredients and a bit of sunshine, you can craft a deliciously refreshing drink that will impress your friends and family. Ready to elevate your summer sipping game? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 tea bags
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- Ice cubes
- Sweetener to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 cups of water, 4 tea bags (your choice of black or green tea works well), 1 orange, sliced, 1 lemon, sliced, 1 lime, sliced, ice cubes, and sweetener of your choice.
- In a large pitcher or glass jar, pour the 4 cups of water. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the tea and citrus slices.
- Next, add the 4 tea bags to the water. If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, you can use an additional tea bag.
- Carefully add the sliced orange, lemon, and lime to the pitcher. The citrus will infuse the tea with a refreshing flavor as it steeps.
- Cover the pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap to keep the flavors contained and prevent any debris from getting in.
- Place the pitcher in a sunny spot outdoors, allowing the sun to heat the water and steep the tea for about 4 hours. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can let it steep longer, but keep an eye on it to avoid bitterness.
- After 4 hours, carefully remove the tea bags from the pitcher, making sure to gently squeeze out any excess liquid.
- Stir in your sweetener of choice to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Once sweetened, refrigerate the iced tea for about 30 minutes to chill, or serve immediately over ice cubes for a refreshing drink.
- Garnish with additional citrus slices if desired, and enjoy your refreshing Iced Citrus Sun Tea!
Tips
- Choose Your Tea Wisely: While black tea is a classic choice, consider experimenting with green tea or herbal blends for a unique twist. Each type will impart a different flavor profile to your sun tea.
- Sweeten to Taste: Start with a small amount of sweetener, as you can always add more later. Natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup can enhance the citrus flavors beautifully.
- Steeping Time Matters: If you prefer a stronger tea, feel free to let it steep longer than 4 hours. Just keep an eye on it to prevent any bitterness from developing.
- Citrus Variations: Don't hesitate to get creative with your citrus! Try adding grapefruit or even a splash of pineapple juice for an exotic twist.
- Serve with Style: For a beautiful presentation, garnish your iced tea with additional citrus slices or fresh mint leaves before serving.
- Perfect for Parties: Make a larger batch by simply doubling the ingredients. This refreshing drink is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 5kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
