Florence’s Fantabulous Crystal Clear Sun or Moon Tea

I remember the summers of my childhood like they were yesterday, the sun blazing hot, the cicadas buzzing their endless song, and the constant thirst that only a tall glass of my grandmother Florence’s sun tea could quench. It wasn’t just the taste—though that was heavenly, a delicate balance of tea and lemon—it was the magic of it all. A large glass pitcher sitting on the porch, slowly steeping in the sun’s warmth, seemed to embody the very essence of summer relaxation. Now, years later, I still make it the same way, a nostalgic ritual that brings me right back to those carefree days.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (sun tea) or 12 hours (moon tea)
• Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes (sun tea) or 12 hours 5 minutes (moon tea)
• Yields: 1 gallon
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Sugar-Free (if using Splenda)

Ingredients

• 1 gallon filtered water (I prefer using a Brita filter)
• 6 Tetley round tea bags (use 8 for a stronger tea flavor)
• 2 lemons, cut into wedges
• Splenda sugar substitute or Sam’s Symple Syrup to taste

Equipment Needed

• Large glass or plastic pitcher
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Early in the morning, gently place the tea bags into a large glass or plastic pitcher.
2. Pour the filtered water over the tea bags. Important: Do not boil the water! Boiling water can make the tea cloudy.
3. Cover the opening of the pitcher tightly with plastic wrap. This prevents dust and insects from getting into the tea.
4. Set the pitcher out in direct sunlight. If it is a hot day, the tea should be ready by lunchtime (approximately 6 hours). If it is a cooler day, it may take until dinner time (around 8 hours).
5. Once the tea has reached your desired strength, remove the tea bags.
6. Sweeten with Splenda sugar substitute or Sam’s Symple Syrup to your personal taste. Start with a small amount and add more until you achieve the desired sweetness.
7. Add a lemon wedge to each glass when serving.
8. For Moon Tea, follow steps 1-3, but instead of placing the pitcher in the sun, set it on your kitchen counter overnight (approximately 12 hours). This method results in a subtly different flavor profile and is still crystal clear.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Crystal Clarity is Key: The secret to Florence’s Fantabulous Crystal Clear Sun or Moon Tea is avoiding boiling water. Boiling extracts too many tannins from the tea leaves, leading to cloudiness and a bitter taste.
• Tea Bag Choice: While the recipe calls for Tetley round tea bags, feel free to experiment with other black tea brands. However, be mindful of the strength of the tea – you might need to adjust the number of tea bags accordingly.
• Sweetness Control: Instead of adding the sweetener to the entire pitcher, you can allow each person to sweeten their own glass individually. This is especially helpful if you’re serving guests with different preferences.
• Cloudy Tea Rescue: If your sun or moon tea does become slightly cloudy, don’t despair! Simply add a small amount of boiling water (a tablespoon or two at a time) to the pitcher and gently swirl. This often helps to clear it up.
• Infusion Time: Adjust the steeping time based on your preference and the weather. On particularly hot and sunny days, the tea might be ready sooner. Taste it periodically to ensure it doesn’t become too strong or bitter.
• Lemon Enhancement: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, gently muddle a few lemon slices in the bottom of the pitcher before adding the water and tea bags.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Florence’s Fantabulous Crystal Clear Sun or Moon Tea is best served ice cold. Garnish each glass with a fresh lemon wedge or a sprig of mint for an elegant presentation. This tea is a refreshing accompaniment to lunch, dinner, or a relaxing afternoon on the porch.

Store any leftover tea in the refrigerator in a sealed pitcher or container. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. The flavor may slightly diminish over time, but it will still be refreshing. I do not recommend freezing the tea, as this can alter the texture and clarity.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (8oz)	% Daily Value
Calories	2 kcal	0%
Total Fat	0g	0%
Saturated Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	0.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	0g	0%
Protein	0g	0%

This assumes no sugar substitute is added. Nutritional data will vary based on the sweetener used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Herbal Infusion: Experiment with adding other herbs or fruits to the pitcher along with the tea bags. Mint, basil, sliced cucumbers, or berries can add a unique twist to the flavor.
• Green Tea Version: Replace the black tea bags with green tea bags for a lighter, more delicate flavor.
• Citrus Medley: Add slices of orange, lime, and grapefruit along with the lemons for a complex citrus flavor profile.
• Sweetener Alternatives: Instead of Splenda or Sam’s Symple Syrup, try honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup. Adjust the amount to taste. For a sugar-free option, consider using stevia.
• Spiced Tea: Add a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, or a star anise to the pitcher for a warm, spiced tea.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is it important to use filtered water?
A: Filtered water removes impurities and minerals that can affect the taste and clarity of the tea, resulting in a cleaner, more refreshing beverage.

Q: Can I use loose-leaf tea instead of tea bags?
A: Yes, you can use loose-leaf tea. Use approximately 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of water, and strain the tea after steeping using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.

Q: How long can I leave the tea steeping in the sun?
A: Steeping time depends on the intensity of the sun and your desired strength. Start tasting after about 4 hours and remove the tea bags when it reaches your preferred flavor. Leaving it too long can result in a bitter taste.

Q: Can I make this tea in the winter?
A: Yes, you can make this tea indoors using the “Moon Tea” method. Simply let the pitcher sit on your kitchen counter overnight.

Q: Is it safe to leave tea out in the sun?
A: Yes, as long as the pitcher is tightly covered with plastic wrap to prevent contamination. The acidity of the tea also helps to inhibit bacterial growth.

Final Thoughts

Florence’s Fantabulous Crystal Clear Sun or Moon Tea is more than just a beverage; it’s a taste of sunshine, a sip of nostalgia, and a reminder of simpler times. I urge you to try this recipe and experience the magic for yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and find your perfect blend. And, if you do, please share your creations and experiences with me – I’d love to hear about them! This tea pairs wonderfully with a light summer salad or a plate of homemade cookies, making it the perfect addition to any gathering. Cheers to clear tea and sunny days!