Sun Tea Cocktails

It’s nice to make things that don’t require cooking in the backcountry. If we can avoid using valuable gas or water to make something, we will. This sun tea cocktail uses the power of the sun to create a delicious tea base that can be enjoyed throughout the day, and into the night.

Sun tea is simply made by adding tea bags to cold water, and placing the container in the sun for a few hours to steep it. This process takes longer than boiling water, but if you’re out playing all day, that’s perfectly fine. We created a cocktail with our sun tea to enjoy the longer daylight hours outside.

This is a versatile recipe that can be adjusted depending on your preferences and needs. You can make a traditional black tea with lemon, as seen here, or you can create an herbal or fruity tea instead.

Bourbon is our favorite choice for mixing with black tea, but I think gin would pair nicely with a lighter herbal blend. We’d love to test out any of your ideas, though! Send them over and we’ll get down to business.

Memorial Day weekend is the gateway to summer, so sit back in the sun, put this drink in your hand, and start dreaming up the best season of your life. Cheers!

Sun Tea Cocktails

Yield

6-8 8-ounce servings

Prep Time / Cook Time

10 minutes active, 3-6 hours inactive / 0 minutes

Activity Guide

Car Camping

Ingredients

• 2 liters water
• 8 bags tea
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 bunch herbs
• 8 ounces bourbon
• lots of ice

Tools

• Knife
• Large jar or clear water bottle (2 Nalgenes)
• Glasses
• Warm, sunny day

Method

1. Fill your container with water. Add tea bags, and stir.
2. Place container in a sunny location that will remain sunny as the shadows travel throughout the day. Let sit for a few hours, until tea has reached your preferred strength. Time will depend on warmth and how sunny the day is.
3. Fill each glass with plenty of ice, 1 ounce of bourbon, a squeeze of lemon and honey, and a few crushed sprigs of herbs.
4. Top bourbon glass with sun tea. Enjoy outside, preferably with your feet in a cold creek.