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How to Make Sun Tea (and Is It Safe to Drink?)
There is something wonderfully old-fashioned about sun tea. You fill a big glass jar with water and tea, set it on the porch or windowsill, and let the summer sun do the brewing. No kettle, no stove, just a slow steep and a little patience. It is the kind of low-effort ritual that fits a hot afternoon perfectly. Before you set out your jar, though, it helps to know how to make sun tea well, and how to make it safely. What is sun tea? Sun tea is simply tea brewed with sunlight instead of hot water. The warmth of the sun gently heats the water over a few hours and slowly draws out the flavor and color of the tea. The result is smooth, mellow, and less likely to turn bitter than a hot brew, which is part of why it has stayed a summer favorite for generations. Is sun tea safe to drink? This is the part worth being honest about. Because sun tea brews at warm rather than boiling temperatures, the water may never get hot enough to kill off bacteria that can grow in that gentle heat. It is usually fine, but the risk is real enough to take a few simple precautions. Herbal, caffeine-free blends are a great choice here, and a little care goes a long way. To brew sun tea safely: Start with a scrupulously clean glass jar with a lid. Use fresh, cold water and sealed tea bags rather than loose leaf floating around. Brew for no longer than three to four hours, and bring the jar in before it sits too long. Refrigerate the tea as soon as it is done, and drink it within a day. If the tea ever looks thick, cloudy, or ropey, or smells off, pour it out. That is a sign of bacterial growth. If you would rather skip the guesswork entirely, cold brewing in the refrigerator gives you the same smooth, mellow cup with none of the warm-water worry. More on that below. How to make sun tea, step by step Fill a clean half-gallon glass jar with about 6 to 8 cups of cold water. Add 4 to 6 herbal tea bags. As a rule of thumb, use one bag per cup of water. Cover the jar with a lid or cloth and set it in direct sun for three to four hours. Once it has reached a color and strength you like, remove the tea bags. Refrigerate right away, then serve over plenty of ice. Finish with a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of honey, or a sprig of mint. The best teas for sun tea Herbal, caffeine-free blends are the natural fit for sun tea, both for safety and for that bright, refreshing summer flavor. Reach for Sun Soaked, our green mate, apple, and hibiscus blend that was practically made for a sunny jar, or Bath Time, a soothing mix of lemongrass, sage, and tangerine. Picnic in the Park brings apple and hibiscus, and Snow Angel offers a cool, minty finish. Any of them make a beautiful, colorful pitcher. An alternative: cold brew If the safety question gives you pause, cold brewing is the easy answer. Steep the same tea bags in cold water in the refrigerator overnight, about eight hours, and you get a smooth, well-chilled tea without ever entering the warm temperature range where bacteria thrive. It is the method to reach for most on repeat all summer. Frequently asked questions How long does sun tea take to brew? Usually three to four hours in direct sun. Keep an eye on the color and pull the bags once it looks right. Is sun tea actually safe? It can be, with care. Use a clean jar, brew no more than three to four hours, refrigerate immediately, and drink within a day. When in doubt, cold brew in the fridge instead. How long does sun tea last? Drink it within 24 hours and keep it refrigerated. Toss it if it looks cloudy or ropey. Can you make sun tea with herbal tea? Yes, and herbal, caffeine-free blends are the best choice for both flavor and peace of mind. The bottom line Sun tea is a simple summer pleasure, and a little know-how keeps it a safe one. Brew it clean, brew it short, chill it fast, and reach for a bright herbal blend. Find your favorite in our Summer Shop, or browse them all in our tea shop.
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Frozen Hibiscus Iced Tea Slushie: An Easy Summer Mocktail
There is a specific kind of August afternoon that no hot mug can compete with. The air is thick, the humidity is unrelenting, and the heat simply will not quit. On days like that, tea does not have to be hot to be wonderful. Blend it with ice and a little fruit, and it becomes the most refreshing thing in the house. This frozen hibiscus iced tea slushie is part mocktail, part grown-up slushie, and exactly what those sticky late-summer days call for. It starts with Sun Soaked, our low-caffeine blend of green mate, apple, and hibiscus. The hibiscus gives it a gorgeous rosy color and a bright, tart snap, the apple rounds it out with a little sweetness, and the green mate adds the gentlest lift. Frozen into a slushie, it tastes like a hibiscus frose without a drop of alcohol, though there is an easy way to add some when the occasion calls for it. Why cold brew is the secret Skip the kettle here. Brewing hot means waiting ages for the tea to cool, and pouring warm tea over ice just melts it into something watery and sad. Cold brewing solves both problems. Steeped slowly overnight in the fridge, the tea comes out smooth, deeply colored, and never bitter, which is exactly what you want before it hits the blender. It is almost no work, you simply start the night before. What you will need 2 Sun Soaked tea bags 8 to 10 ounces cold water 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or simple syrup, to taste 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice 1.5 to 2 cups ice Fresh mint or basil, to garnish Optional: a splash of rose or prosecco How to make it 1. The night before, add the 2 tea bags to 8 to 10 ounces of cold water and let them steep in the fridge overnight, at least 8 hours. 2. In the morning, remove the tea bags and stir in the honey or simple syrup until it dissolves, then add the lemon or lime juice. 3. Pour the cold brew into a blender with the ice and blend until slushy and smooth. 4. Pour into a glass and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or basil. 5. Sip slowly and enjoy the fact that you planned ahead. Make it a weekend treat For a grown-up version, blend in a splash of rose or prosecco at the end, or float it on top after pouring. It makes a lovely after-work wind-down or a slow weekend pour on the porch. The apple and hibiscus play so nicely with a dry rose that most people will not believe it started as a cup of tea. Easy variations Muddle a few fresh raspberries or strawberries into the glass for a berry-hibiscus twist. Swap the honey for a spoonful of peach or apricot jam to lean into late-summer stone fruit. Freeze a batch of the cold brew in an ice cube tray, then blend the tea cubes straight for an even more intense color and flavor. Frequently asked questions Why cold brew instead of hot? Hot tea takes forever to cool and melts your ice when you blend it, leaving you with a watery slushie. Cold brewing overnight gives you a smooth, strong, well-chilled base that blends into a proper slushie without any dilution. Can I make the base ahead of time? Yes. The cold brew keeps in the fridge for a couple of days, so you can steep a batch and blend a fresh slushie whenever the craving hits. Is it caffeinated? Only lightly. Sun Soaked is a low-caffeine blend thanks to the green mate, so it gives a soft lift rather than a jolt, which makes it a great afternoon or early-evening drink. What if I do not have a blender? Pour the sweetened cold brew over a tall glass of crushed ice for an iced hibiscus tea instead. Not quite a slushie, but just as refreshing. The bottom line A frozen hibiscus slushie is proof that herbal tea belongs in your summer just as much as it belongs in your winter. Reach for Sun Soaked, start it the night before, and give yourself something cold, pink, and a little bit special when August turns up the heat. Find it in our Summer Shop, and browse the rest of the blends in our tea shop.
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How to Cold Brew Herbal Tea (It's Easier Than You Think)
Cold brew tea is one of those things that sounds fancier than it is. It's also — genuinely — one of the best things you can do for your herbal tea in summer. Here's exactly how to do it, and why it's worth the small amount of effort. What Is Cold Brew Tea (And Why Does It Taste Different)? Traditional hot brewing extracts compounds from tea leaves quickly using heat. Cold brewing does the same thing over a much longer period — usually 6 to 12 hours in the fridge — using cool water instead. The result is noticeably different: smoother, less astringent, and often sweeter-tasting even without any added sugar. This happens because heat tends to pull more tannins from tea leaves, which create that slightly bitter, puckery quality. Cold water extracts more slowly and gently, leaving you with a cleaner, more delicate flavor. For herbal teas specifically, cold brewing is especially good — you get the full brightness of fruit notes, the natural sweetness of botanicals like hibiscus, and none of the muddiness that can happen when you brew hot and then chill. The Basic Method There's genuinely no special equipment required. Here's the simplest version: Place 1–2 tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose leaf) per 8 oz of water into a pitcher, mason jar, or any container with a lid. Fill with cool, filtered water. Cover and refrigerate for 6–12 hours (overnight is the easiest schedule — make it before bed, it's ready in the morning). Remove the bags, pour over ice, and enjoy. That's it. You cannot really mess this up. The only real variable is how long you steep — longer means more flavor, but with herbals you have a lot of flexibility. Tasting after 6 hours and again after 12 gives you a sense of where you like it. The Best Leaves of Leisure Blends for Cold Brewing All of our blends cold brew beautifully, but a few are particularly magical this way: Picnic in the Park (Apple, Hibiscus, Pomegranate) — The fruit notes get incredibly bright cold-brewed. It tastes almost like a fancy juice without any of the sugar. Beautiful with a slice of lemon or a few fresh berries added to the pitcher. Road Trip (Turmeric, Ginger, Pineapple) — The turmeric and ginger mellow out beautifully in cold water, and the pineapple comes forward. It ends up tasting tropical and refreshing rather than spicy — which is a totally different experience from the hot version. Snow Angel (Peppermint, Spearmint, Ginger, Rooibos, Rosehip) — Cold-brewed mint tea is one of the great underrated summer drinks. It's clean, slightly sweet, and genuinely refreshing in a way that iced coffee never quite manages. A Few Tips Worth Knowing You can go longer than 12 hours. Herbal teas won't get bitter the way black tea can if you leave them too long. 24 hours is totally fine if you forget about it. Make a concentrate. Use double the tea and half the water, steep for 8–12 hours, then dilute with water or sparkling water when serving. This is great for batch-making — a small jar of concentrate in the fridge means iced tea is always a few seconds away. Try sparkling water. Cold-brewed herbal tea + sparkling water + a squeeze of citrus is one of the best zero-effort mocktails in existence. Particularly good with Picnic in the Park or Road Trip. No need to add sweetener, but you can. A drizzle of honey stirred into warm water first (to dissolve it), then mixed into your cold brew, adds a nice background sweetness without making it taste like a candy. Why Bother When You Could Just Brew Hot and Ice It? Totally valid approach — and sometimes that's exactly what you should do, especially if you want tea in the next five minutes. But if you have the time and the fridge space, cold brewing once a week and keeping a pitcher ready means you always have something good to reach for instead of a sugary drink. That accessibility is the whole point. The easier good-for-you things are to reach, the more consistently you'll actually reach for them. Try it once. It takes about two minutes of active effort and a night of patience. We think you'll keep doing it.
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The Sun-Soaked Sunset Spritz — A Caffeine-Free Mocktail Recipe
A bright, caffeine-free mocktail made with Sun Soaked herbal tea — golden, citrusy, and perfect for slow evenings. Recipe + the wellness benefits behind every sip.
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You’re Not Living Until You’ve Thrown a Cottagecore Tea Party Like This
There’s something magical about gathering under the sun, surrounded by flowers, fresh fruit, linens and lace, and the people you love most. Cottagecore isn’t just an aesthetic; it’s a lifestyle rooted in slowing down, savoring the simple, and celebrating beauty in everyday moments. And what better way to romanticize your weekend than with a tea party straight out of a storybook? In this post, we’ll walk you through how to throw the dreamiest cottagecore tea party; from setting the scene to sipping something herbal and refreshing. So grab your picnic basket, cue the soft playlist, and let’s plan your most enchanting tea party yet. Set the Scene: Whether you’re hosting indoors or in the garden, curating a soft, romantic atmosphere is key. Think pastel linens, fresh flowers in jars, and twinkling fairy lights. Add candles or a few vintage touches like teacups or lace doilies for charm. A cozy playlist—think acoustic, classical, or soft folk—sets the tone. Your goal? Make it feel like your guests just stepped into a storybook. Curate the Menu: Think delicate finger foods, seasonal fruit, and dreamy desserts like shortbread, lemon bars, or berry tarts. Include low- to no-caffeine tea blends to keep things light, herbal, and soothing. Serve a Refreshing Iced Mocktail: Looking for the perfect, wellness-centric, refreshment? Our Beets and Berries Wellness Cooler, made with our Road Trip blend, is guaranteed to please every guest. It’s not only delicious, it’s also caffeine-free and alcohol-free, making it the ideal sip for keeping the vibes peaceful, grounded, and chill. Add Whimsy with Decor: Thrifted teacups, lace doilies, old books, and fresh blooms make the dream come alive. Handwritten name cards, tea labels, or floral-stamped napkins add that extra charm. Create a Cozy Playlist: Set the mood with soft acoustic, instrumental folk, or classical garden tunes. It should feel gentle, ambient, and romantic. Plan a Little Activity: Keep things low-key and lovely: a journaling moment, flower pressing, tarot reading, poetry swap, or just cloud-watching on a blanket. Cottagecore is all about slow joy and connection. Dress the Part: Encourage guests to wear flowy dresses, straw hats, soft cardigans, or anything that feels romantic and relaxed. Bonus points for linen, ruffles, and baskets filled with books or blooms. Send Guests Home with a Token: Wrap a tea sachet in a bit of ribbon, give out mini flower bouquets, or write a little handwritten note. A tiny keepsake adds to the magic and makes it unforgettable. A Cottagecore tea party is all about slowing down, savoring simple pleasures, and celebrating everyday beauty with the people you love (and a really good cup of tea). This summer, carve out a little time to create the dreamy, joy-filled gathering you’ve been imagining. Tried the recipe or threw your own cozy tea party? We’d love to see it! Tag us @leisureteas on Instagram—we’re always swooning over your softest, most romantic moments.
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Hibiscus Tea Mojito Mocktail Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a mojito to quench your thirst on a warm day—especially when it’s made with refreshing tea! Whether you’re lounging outside, hosting a small gathering, or simply craving a cool beverage, our Hibiscus Tea Mojito is the perfect blend of herbal tea, citrus, and mint to add some bliss to your day. While we made ours with no alcohol, but feel free to spike yours if you so desire! At Leaves of Leisure, our Picnic in the Park tea is the star ingredient in this twist on the classic mojito. With its vibrant hibiscus flavor and calming herbal notes, this caffeine-free tea is the perfect base for a fresh, floral cocktail. Add some limeade, honey or agave, and mint for that refreshing kick, and you’ve got yourself a rejuvenating beverage that tastes as good as it feels! Here's how to make our signature Hibiscus Tea Mojito at home. Ingredients You'll Need: 1 tea bag of Leaves of Leisure Picnic in the Park tea 1 cup of hot water 10-12 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish 1 tablespoon of honey or agave syrup (more or less depending on your sweetness preference) 1/4 cup of limeade (store-bought or homemade) Ice cubes Lime slices (for garnish) Optional: 1-2 ounces of white rum (for an alcoholic version) Directions: 1. Brew the Tea Start by brewing your Leaves of Leisure Picnic in the Park tea, which will be the base of your mojito. Boil 1 cup of water and steep the tea for about 3-5 minutes. If you prefer a stronger hibiscus flavor, you can let it steep a little longer. Once the tea is brewed, remove the teabag (or strain the loose tea leaves) and let it cool completely. You can even make this tea in advance and chill it in the fridge to save time later. 2. Muddle the Mint In a cocktail shaker, add 10-12 fresh mint leaves and 1 tablespoon of honey or agave syrup. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently crush the mint leaves. This releases their natural oils and gives the mojito that refreshing minty kick. Be careful not to tear the mint leaves too much; you just want to press them enough to release their flavor. 3. Mix in the Limeade and Tea Next, pour in ½ cup of limeade into the shaker with the mint and honey/agave. Stir well until the honey/agave is fully dissolved. Then, add your cooled Picnic in the Park tea to the mix, and shake! 4. Add Ice and Garnish Fill your serving glass with ice cubes to keep your mojito cool and refreshing. If you’d like an alcoholic version of this drink, add 1-2 ounces of white rum to the mix at this point. Otherwise, simply pour the tea mixture over the ice. For a final touch, garnish your hibiscus tea mojito with extra mint leaves and a few lime slices for that classic mojito look. These garnishes also enhance the drink’s fresh flavor with every sip. Why We Love This Recipe: Caffeine-Free & Hydrating: The Picnic in the Park tea base makes this mojito caffeine-free, making it a great option for any time of day. Health Benefits: Hibiscus is known for its antioxidant properties, while mint supports digestion. This drink isn’t just refreshing—it’s good for you, too! Customizable: Want a mocktail? Skip the rum. Prefer something stronger? Add a little extra! You can also adjust the sweetness with more or less honey/agave, depending on your taste.
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Beets and Berries Wellness Cooler Recipe
Summer calls for drinks that are not only refreshing but also nourishing. At Leaves of Leisure tea, we believe in creating beverages that uplift both the body and the soul. Enter our Beets and Berries Wellness Cooler – a perfect balance of flavor, wellness, and vibrant color. It’s refreshing, slightly sweet, and packed with health-boosting ingredients, making it the ideal drink for warm days and cool evenings. Here’s how you can make this easy, delicious beverage at home: Ingredients: 1/2 cup Leaves of Leisure Road Trip Tea (brewed and chilled) 1/2 cup Lemonade (store-bought or homemade – see below for our homemade recipe) A splash of beet juice Garnish: Fresh mint leaves and blueberries/strawberries Directions: Brew the Road Trip Tea: Start by brewing a cup of Leaves of Leisure Road Trip Tea. This tea is a beautiful blend of turmeric, ginger, pineapple, dried carrots, and beets. It’s the perfect mix of earthy and fruity flavors, with a natural sweetness that complements the cooler. Once brewed, allow the tea to cool to room temperature and then chill it in the fridge. Make Your Lemonade: If you’re using store-bought lemonade, feel free to skip this step. But if you’d like to make your own, here’s a simple recipe: Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice, water, and sugar. Mix together 1 part fresh lemon juice, 3 parts water, and sweeten to taste with sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Adjust the sweetness and tartness to your preference. You want it to be tangy enough to balance the earthy flavors of the beet juice and tea. Mix the Drink: In a glass, combine 1/2 cup of your chilled Road Trip Tea with 1/2 cup of lemonade. Stir gently to combine. Add a splash of beet juice to give the drink a vibrant color and an extra boost of nutrients. The beet juice also adds a slight earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the flavors of the tea and lemonade. Garnish and Serve: Top off your Beets and Berries Wellness Cooler with a few fresh mint leaves and a handful of blueberries and/or strawberries for garnish. If you’re feeling extra fancy, serve it in a glass with a fun straw or over ice for an extra refreshing sip. Enjoy! Sip on your Beets and Berries Wellness Cooler, and feel the refreshing and revitalizing effects of this wellness-packed drink. Whether you’re lounging on the porch, enjoying a picnic in the park, or simply unwinding after a long day, this cooler is sure to elevate your moment of leisure.
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Spicy Tropical Sunrise Iced Tea: A Refreshing Mocktail Recipe
Discover the perfect summer refreshment with our Tropical Sunrise Iced Tea, made with Leaves of Leisure's Road Trip Tea. This vibrant mocktail features ginger, turmeric, pineapple, and more. Find step-by-step instructions and tips for creating this delightful drink. Enjoy a taste of paradise with Leaves of Leisure!
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Easy and Refreshing Summer Iced Tea Recipe
Discover an easy and refreshing summer iced tea recipe using Leaves of Leisure’s Picnic in the Park tea. Enjoy the perfect blend of apple, hibiscus, rosehip, pomegranate, and senna leaf for a delicious and healthful iced tea. Ideal for cooling off on hot summer days!
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