healthy - recipes - The Cocoon

Rad Recipes: Sweet Cinnamon Orange Sun Tea

One of my favorite memories of my Mom is the amazing sun tea she used to brew. It was so simple to make and so refreshing to drink after playing outside for hours in the hot SoCal sunshine. 

Well Hello, Sunshine!

Her go-to was a mixture of basic Lipton black tea + Constant Comment (which is a blend of black tea with some sweet spice notes and orange rind). Oh, and about a cup of added white sugar (Sweet Tea is no joke). In later years, she stopped adding the sugar and just served it unsweetened, and though much less sweet, it was still delicious.

Mmm this brew is magickal

My Sweet Cinnamon Orange Sun Tea is a nod to her. If you like, you can still add your favorite sweetener before or after brewing, or drink it unsweetened. Now go grab a big glass jar and find you a sunny spot outside! Here’s my super simple recipe:

  • Fill a gallon sized glass jar with fresh cold water
  • Add at least six individual bags of your favorite black tea (I like Trader Joe’s Organic Irish Breakfast) If you like stronger tea, add more bags- 2 at a time
  • Add 1-2 individual bags of your favorite sweet orange tea (I like Mighty Leaf Organic Orange Dulce)
  • Toss in a few cinnamon sticks and a couple of fresh orange slices, cover, and set outside in a sunny spot for at least 2-3 hours (brew for longer if you like stronger tea flavor)
  • Bring the jar inside at least 1/2 hour before you’re ready to serve. Let cool.
  • Remove tea bags, cinnamon sticks, orange slices and stir well. Rim your glass with some sugar, fill with ice, and enjoy! 
I couldn’t wait to sample! It’s SO GOOD