Rooibos Mint Sun Tea From Scratch

Continuing the beverage theme, I made a big batch of sun tea this weekend.  It was very reminiscent of high school for some reason.

First I layered a few pieces of muslin.  

Then I found some South African rooibos teabags in the pantry.  I measured out about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the rooibos. 

And then about 1/2 tablespoon of darjeeling tea.   This is just what I had on hand.  You can go any which way with this. 

And then I added an equal portion of dried mint (2 tablespoons) onto the muslin clothe.  I love mint!  Fresh, dried, doesn't matter. In my tea, in my mojito, in my mint chip ice cream, in my salads.  Delish.

Next I tied the tea and mint up with some string, forming a make shift steeping bag. 

Then I cleaned out the largest glass container I have.

And poured about 12 cups of water in it.

And tossed in the tea and mint combo.  Looks like a gross science experiment doesn't it?  Think fetal pig.  Or not.  Maybe that's why this tea reminds me of high school...

Bring your tea outside into direct sun for a few hours to steep.

After about an hour, this is what it looked like. 

And after about three hours, it was done!

The mint adds such a nice kick.  Next time I'll try fresh mint and see if I can't get the minty background even brighter.

Put it in the fridge and serve over ice so it's nice and cold.  Then grab a book and find your hammock and enjoy a quiet Sunday afternoon.  Then tell me what a quiet afternoon reading a book in a hammock drinking fresh sun tea feels like so I can live vicariously through you!