Florence’s Fantabulous Crystal Clear Sun or Moon Tea

There are certain drinks that evoke a specific time and place, a sensory memory etched deep. For me, Florence’s Sun Tea is one of those. I can vividly recall those sweltering Southern summers, the air thick with the scent of honeysuckle, and the unmistakable clink of ice in a tall glass filled with this remarkably clear, refreshing iced tea. My grandmother, Florence, a woman who could coax magic out of the simplest ingredients, would brew gallons of it in large glass jars, their contents slowly steeping under the benevolent gaze of the summer sun. The ritual itself was as much a part of the experience as the taste – the anticipation as the amber liquid deepened, the promise of cool relief on a scorching afternoon. It was more than just tea; it was liquid sunshine, bottled and served with a generous side of love.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: A few minutes
• Cook Time: 4-8 hours (Sun Tea) / Overnight (Moon Tea)
• Total Time: 4 hours 2 minutes to 8 hours 2 minutes (or overnight)
• Servings: Approximately 16 (depending on ice and additions)
• Yield: 1 gallon
• Dietary Type: Sugar-Free (as prepared), Customizable

Ingredients

• 1 gallon filtered water (using a Brita filter or similar is recommended for clarity)
• 6 Tetley tea bags, round ones (for a less intense brew; use 8 for a stronger tea)
• 2 lemons, cut into wedges
• Splenda sugar substitute or simple syrup, to taste (Florence originally used sugar; this is an optional sweetener)

Equipment Needed

• A large, clean glass or plastic pitcher (at least 1-gallon capacity)
• Plastic wrap or a lid for the pitcher
• Serving glasses
• Ice cube trays (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Florence’s method for creating this crystal clear tea is a testament to patience and understanding the gentle power of nature. It’s a method passed down, a technique that ensures a smooth, unclouded brew, perfect for any time of day or night.

1. Prepare the Tea Bags: Early in the morning, or at your preferred start time, place the 6 Tetley tea bags into your large glass or plastic pitcher. If you prefer a more robust tea flavor, you can increase this to 8 tea bags.
2. Add the Water: Gently pour the 1 gallon of filtered water over the tea bags in the pitcher. It is critically important to DO NOT boil the water. Boiling the water is the primary culprit for cloudy tea. The cool or room temperature water allows the tea leaves to unfurl and release their flavor without becoming agitated, thus maintaining clarity.
3. Initiate Sun Tea Brewing: Cover the opening of the pitcher securely with plastic wrap or a lid. This prevents any contaminants from entering the brew while it steeps.
4. Sun Exposure: Place the covered pitcher in a sunny spot, ideally outdoors where it will receive direct sunlight for several hours. The warmth and UV rays from the sun will act as a natural catalyst, gently extracting the tea’s flavor and color.
5. Brewing Time (Sun Tea): The tea will be ready when it reaches your desired strength and color. On a very hot day, this might be as early as lunch, taking around 4 to 6 hours. On a cooler or less sunny day, it might take longer, up to 8 hours, typically ready by dinner. The key is visual cues: a beautiful amber hue and, most importantly, absolute clarity.
6. Sweeten and Serve: Once the tea has steeped to your liking, carefully remove the tea bags. Stir in your preferred sweetener. Florence originally used sugar, but modern adaptations often opt for Splenda or other sugar substitutes to taste. Add the lemon wedges to the pitcher or to individual glasses as you serve. The lemon provides a bright, zesty counterpoint to the tea’s natural tannins. Serve chilled, over ice, for the ultimate refreshment.
7. Moon Tea Variation: For the “Moon Tea” variation, follow the same initial steps (placing tea bags in water and covering). Instead of placing the pitcher in the sun, simply set it on your kitchen counter, or another cool, dark spot indoors, overnight. This method is even gentler and takes longer, but it also yields a crystal clear, delicious tea. It’s a perfect option when sunlight isn’t readily available or if you prefer a slower, more deliberate brewing process. The tea will be ready to sweeten and serve in the morning.

Expert Tips & Tricks

The magic of Florence’s tea lies in its simplicity, but a few chef-driven insights can elevate the experience further.

• Water Quality is Paramount: As mentioned, using filtered water is crucial. Tap water can contain minerals that contribute to cloudiness, especially when exposed to temperature changes. A Brita pitcher or a more advanced filtration system will make a noticeable difference in the final clarity.
• Tea Bag Quality: While Tetley round tea bags are specified and work wonderfully, experimenting with other high-quality black tea brands that are known for their smooth flavor profiles can also yield excellent results. Avoid teas that are overly dusty or broken, as this can also contribute to a cloudy brew.
• Gentle Removal: When removing the tea bags, do so gently. Squeezing the tea bags can release bitter tannins and particulate matter, which can cloud the tea and affect its taste.
• The Clarity Fix: If, for any reason, your tea does become cloudy (perhaps due to a temperature fluctuation or an unforeseen ingredient interaction), don’t despair. Florence’s wise advice was to add a small amount of boiling water to the pitcher. Stir gently; the heat from the boiling water should help the tea crystals re-dissolve and clear up the liquid.
• Infusing the Lemon: For an extra burst of lemon flavor without the pulp, consider adding lemon zest to the pitcher along with the lemon wedges. You can also make lemon peel ice cubes by freezing lemon peels in water to add to your tea without diluting its flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This fantabulous tea is best served ice-cold. Pour it generously into tall glasses filled with fresh ice. The addition of a fresh lemon wedge perched on the rim of the glass adds a touch of elegance and a hint of citrus aroma.

For optimal freshness and clarity, store any leftover tea in a tightly covered pitcher or jug in the refrigerator. It will retain its best quality for up to 3 to 4 days. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods, as this can affect its clarity and encourage spoilage. If you notice any signs of cloudiness developing in stored tea, you can attempt the boiling water trick mentioned above, though it’s always best enjoyed fresh.

Nutritional Information

While the nutritional content of this tea will vary significantly based on the amount of sweetener used, here’s an approximate breakdown for a 1-gallon serving without any added sugar or sweetener, assuming the tea bags themselves contribute negligible calories or macros.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (Approx. 8oz)	% Daily Value
Calories	0-5	0%
Total Fat	0 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	< 5 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	0-1 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	0 g	0%
Protein	< 0.5 g	0%

Note: These values are estimates for unsweetened tea. Adding sugar or sweeteners will significantly increase the carbohydrate and calorie content.

Variations & Substitutions

While Florence’s original recipe is a masterpiece of simplicity, there’s always room for personal expression.

• Herbal Infusions: For a caffeine-free option or a twist on the classic, you can add a few sprigs of fresh mint, a couple of chamomile tea bags, or a handful of dried hibiscus flowers to the pitcher alongside the black tea bags.
• Fruity Flavors: Add a cup of fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries) or sliced peaches to the pitcher during the sun-brewing process for a subtle fruit-infused tea.
• Sweetener Alternatives: Beyond Splenda, consider using a sugar-free simple syrup, a touch of stevia, or monk fruit sweetener to achieve your desired sweetness level without added sugars.
• Tea Blend: Experiment with blending different types of black tea, such as a Ceylon or an Earl Grey, for a more complex flavor profile. Just ensure they are suited for iced tea brewing.

FAQs

Q: Why does my iced tea turn cloudy?
A: Cloudiness is typically caused by rapidly cooling hot-brewed tea, or by boiling the water during the brewing process. Florence’s sun/moon tea method avoids this by using cool water and gentle steeping.

Q: Can I make this tea indoors if I don’t have a sunny spot?
A: Absolutely! The “Moon Tea” variation is designed for indoor brewing. Simply place the covered pitcher on your counter overnight.

Q: How can I make the tea stronger?
A: For a more potent brew, simply increase the number of tea bags used from 6 to 8 per gallon of water.

Q: Is it necessary to use filtered water?
A: While not strictly mandatory, filtered water significantly improves the clarity of the tea, which is the hallmark of this recipe. Tap water can contain minerals that contribute to cloudiness.

Q: How long can I store this tea?
A: For the best quality and clarity, it’s recommended to consume the tea within 3 to 4 days when stored properly in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

Florence’s Fantabulous Crystal Clear Sun or Moon Tea is more than just a beverage; it’s a refreshing embrace of a simpler time, a testament to the beauty of slow, natural processes. Whether you’re basking in the sun’s glow or enjoying a quiet evening with your Moon Tea, this recipe offers a moment of pure, unadulterated refreshment. It’s the perfect companion to a light summer salad, a picnic spread, or simply a quiet moment of reflection. I encourage you to try this wonderfully clear and satisfying tea, and I’d love to hear about your own sun-kissed or moonlit brewing experiences!