Raspberry Sun Tea
Raspberry Sun Tea is a nice beverage addition to a cookout, backyard barbecue, pool party, or to take on a picnic. Just plan to make it early or a day in advance of your event. Or make a pitcher to keep in the fridge for a lazy afternoon relaxing on your porch.
Growing up in the south, my Mom always made sun tea. Back then, there weren’t all of the wonderful flavors there are today; it was just plain iced tea.
Living in Florida, there is no better way to cool off after working in the yard than with a refreshing glass of iced tea. My husband’s favorite flavor, for just about anything, is raspberry, so I used his favorite raspberry tea bags and made a gallon for him.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, as well as a member of other various affiliate programs, I earn a nominal commission if products are purchased through links at no additional charge to you.
Why you’ll love raspberry sun tea
- Light, fruity raspberry flavor that doesn’t need much, if any, sweetener.
- Naturally refreshing and perfect for hot weather hydration.
- Easy to make ahead for parties, tailgates, or everyday.
- Budget-friendly.
- A nostalgic Southern-style drink with a hands-off brewing method.
Ingredients for Raspberry Sun Tea
This fruit-infused sun tea recipe is made with simple and readily available ingredients.
- Raspberry tea bags – I used Bigelow Raspberry Royale Tea, but use your favorite raspberry tea.
- Cold Water
- Ice Cubes
- Sun
- Fresh raspberries, for garnish
- Honey or sugar for a sweetener, optional
Tips for making sun tea
I steeped my tea for 2 hours. My husband usually likes his tea sweetened, but this is so full of delicious raspberry flavor that he decided to leave it unsweetened. Taste before sweetening it with sugar or honey.
Don’t add ice to the jar or pitcher. You don’t want to dilute the raspberry tea. Add ice to the glasses and add the tea.
Garnish with fresh berries or a slice of lemon.
Serve it unsweetened and offer simple syrup, sugar, or honey if your guests want to sweeten the tea themselves. Not everyone enjoys sweet tea.
All recipes are tested in my Florida kitchen exclusively by me.
What can I serve with raspberry iced tea?
This raspberry iced tea recipe is great with patty melts, egg salad sandwiches, chicken salad carrots, and Chinese chicken salad.
It’s also a delicious pairing with French bread pizza or ham and Swiss sliders.
More tea recipes
If you enjoy flavored iced tea, try this strawberry iced tea or caramel apple iced tea. If it’s spiked tea you want to try bourbon peach tea.
Can I use loose tea instead of tea bags?
Absolutely. Be sure you either wrap the loose tea in cheesecloth or use a tea infuser. You don’t want loose tea floating around in the water. Plus, it won’t brew in the sun as easily.
What is the difference between sun tea and brewed tea?
Sun tea is slow-brewed using sunlight, which produces a smoother, less bitter flavor compared to hot-brewed tea made by boiling water and steeping tea bags in it.
Mason Jar Glasses
There’s nothing more Southern than serving iced tea in a mason jar mug.
Did you make this recipe? If so, please leave a comment and 5-star review on the recipe card below. If you really love this recipe, please share it on your social media!
Raspberry Sun Tea
Ingredients
- 8 raspberry teabags, regular size
- 1 gallon cold water
- Sweetener if desired
- Fresh raspberries for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a gallon jar with one gallon of cold water. Cover the jar loosely with the lid, making sure you catch the tea bag strings in the lid so they don't sink, but are fully submerged.1 gallon cold water, 8 raspberry teabags, regular size
- Place the jar in the sun for 2- 4 hours, moving it as needed to keep it in the sun.
- After steeping in the sun, remove the tea bags and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve over ice, with sweetener if desired. Garnish with fresh raspberries.Sweetener, Fresh raspberries for garnish
Yum, love raspberry tea! I haven’t made sun tea since I was a girl scout… gotta try it again!
I love using the raspberry! Such a great idea! I haven’t made tea in a long time. Now you have motivated me!
Sun tea is the perfect summer treat Ellen, thanks for sharing.
Sun tea is definitely such a Southern thing to do! I brew mine that way all the time! Love the raspberry idea! Gorgeous and so refreshing sounding. P~
That sun tea looks so refreshing. Raspberry, yum!