Maybe it's because Memorial Day is two weeks away or because New York City has become a large puddle as it has been raining here for over a week and half. I am about ready to call myself a duck and give up. So I started making a list of all my favorite summer specialties, things I only do or have from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The first that came to mind is Sun Tea.
I grew up here in NYC and didn't (well still don't, let's be honest) have a normal relationship with the outdoors. Time in the grass, sun and trees was selective, special and rare. When I was a kid, my mother would make sun tea, by setting a few black tea bags in a large pitcher of water in the sun. To me, it was absolute magic watching the sun, warm the water and cause the tea bags to steep and slowly turn the water to a deep amber, then full brown. I would go zooming by on my bike and check up on the progress or even just lay there half snoozing, half watching. I am sure to the rest of the world this isn't a thing of novelty. But the rest of world didn't grow up with the subway as their yellow school bus or car alarms as a lullaby.
As soon as the sun comes back out, I plan on making this gorgeous favorite. I swear, the tea is just a little sweeter, brighter.
Directions for Sun Tea:
4-6 black tea bags
1 gallon pitcher with water
4 hours of sun
This can be adapted with all sorts of alternatives, any herbal tea can substitute or add a couple fresh lemon pieces, or mint while the tea steeps.
Here is to summer!
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