Fresh Strawberry Thyme Sun Tea is one of the most refreshing drinks you can make during the hot summer months. This fruity tea combines sweet strawberries, fresh thyme, and smooth black tea for a homemade drink that tastes bright and refreshing over ice. Around my kitchen in Newark, Delaware, this tea stays in the fridge all season long. And if you enjoy fruity summer drinks like this watermelon agua fresca, this refreshing tea recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation too.
This easy sun tea recipe uses simple ingredients and sunshine to create smooth homemade iced tea.
Why I Love Fresh Strawberry Thyme Sun Tea

Growing up, my grandma always kept giant jars of sun tea outside on the porch during summer afternoons. Watching the tea slowly darken in the sunlight felt like part of the season itself.
Now, I make Fresh Strawberry Thyme Sun Tea every chance I get once strawberries come into season.
The strawberries add juicy sweetness.
The thyme gives the tea fresh herbal flavor.
Then, the slow sun brewing creates a smooth and mellow finish.
Together, everything tastes crisp, refreshing, and perfect for warm afternoons.
Also, this tea works great for:
- Summer cookouts
- Family brunches
- Porch sitting
- Pool parties
- Baby showers
What Makes Sun Tea So Good?
First, sun tea brews slowly using sunlight instead of boiling water.
Then, the gentle steeping creates smoother flavor.
Finally, the fruit and herbs slowly release natural sweetness into the tea.
The result tastes fresh and homemade.
Strawberry Sun Tea Recipe Ingredients
What You’ll Need

This Fresh Strawberry Thyme Sun Tea recipe comes together with a few easy ingredients.
Ingredients
- 8 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices for garnish
That’s it.
And if you enjoy berry drinks, this refreshing blueberry mocktail is another easy summer favorite.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Thyme Sun Tea

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Fill a large glass jar with water.
- Add black tea bags.
- Toss in sliced strawberries and thyme sprigs.
- Cover tightly with a lid.
- Place the jar outside in direct sunlight for 3 to 5 hours.
- Then, remove tea bags.
- Stir in honey or sugar.
- Chill before serving.
- Finally, pour over ice and garnish with lemon slices.
The tea develops beautiful color and fresh fruity flavor.
Summer Sun Tea Recipe Variations

Easy Flavor Swaps
One reason I keep making Fresh Strawberry Thyme Sun Tea is because it’s easy to customize.
Here are a few simple ideas:
- Add fresh mint
- Toss in blueberries
- Use green tea instead of black tea
- Add lemon slices
- Mix in sparkling water before serving
Then, if you enjoy refreshing lemonade drinks, this icy frozen raspberry lemonade is another perfect summer recipe.
Can You Make Sun Tea Indoors?
Absolutely.
If you prefer, simply steep the tea in hot water inside your kitchen instead of using sunlight.
Then, chill before serving.
The flavor still tastes smooth and refreshing.
Strawberry Mint Sun Tea Tips
Helpful Tips for Better Flavor
Use ripe strawberries
Sweet berries give the tea brighter flavor.
Don’t over-steep the tea
Tea can become bitter if it sits too long.
Chill before serving
Cold tea tastes smoother and more refreshing.
Use fresh thyme
Fresh herbs give the tea cleaner flavor.
And if you want another refreshing summer sip, this icy watermelon slushie always disappears fast during parties.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Strawberry Thyme Sun Tea recipe is fruity, refreshing, and perfect for warm summer afternoons. I love how the strawberries and thyme create fresh flavor while the slow brewing keeps the tea smooth and mellow.
So grab a big glass jar, let the sunshine work its magic, and pour yourself a tall glass over ice.
Looking for more Southern air fryer goodness? be sure to check out my Pinterest page.
Print
Fresh Strawberry Thyme Sun Tea – Easy Summer Sun Tea Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fresh Strawberry Thyme Sun Tea made with black tea, strawberries, and fresh thyme for a refreshing summer drink.
Ingredients
8 cups water
4 black tea bags
1 cup strawberries, sliced
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tablespoons honey or sugar
Ice cubes
Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
1. Fill a large glass jar with water.
2. Add tea bags.
3. Add strawberries and thyme.
4. Cover tightly.
5. Place in direct sunlight for 3 to 5 hours.
6. Remove tea bags.
7. Stir in sweetener.
8. Chill before serving.
9. Serve over ice with lemon slices.
Notes
Use ripe strawberries for best flavor.
Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Fresh mint can replace thyme.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Sun Tea
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Fresh Strawberry Thyme Sun Tea, Strawberry Sun Tea Recipe, Summer Sun Tea Recipe