Start by selecting a clear glass sun tea jar with a tight-sealing lid. Ensure the jar is clean and free of any residue. This will help maintain the purity of the tea's flavor.
Pour 8 cups of cool water into the sun tea jar. Then, add 2-4 family-size tea bags or 3-6 regular-size tea bags, depending on your preference for tea strength. Make sure the tea bags are fully submerged in the water.
Seal the sun tea jar tightly with its lid. Place the jar in a spot where it will receive direct sunlight for 3-4 hours. This exposure to sunlight will gently steep the tea, infusing it with rich flavor.
After the steeping period, carefully remove the tea bags from the jar. Add 1 cup of sugar or 1/3 cup of maple syrup to the brewed tea, adjusting the amount based on your desired level of sweetness. Stir the sweetener into the tea until it completely dissolves.
Allow the sweetened tea to cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the sun tea jar to the refrigerator to chill thoroughly. It's essential to chill the tea before serving to ensure it's refreshingly cold.
Once chilled, pour the sun tea into glasses filled with ice cubes. The ice will help keep the tea cold and refreshing, perfect for a hot summer day. For added flavor and visual appeal, garnish each glass with a slice of lemon.
Savor the delightful flavor of homemade Lipton sun tea with each sip. Its subtle sweetness and invigorating taste make it a favorite beverage for sunny days or anytime you need a cool and refreshing pick-me-up.