NEVER, I CAN ASSURE YOU, WILL YOU ENCOUNTER sun tea outside the South, and even in the northernmost states of the region, this method of making ice’ tea is virtually unknown. But from North Carolina over to Kentucky down to Mississippi, sun tea is almost a ritual for those who’re convinced there’s simply no better way to prepare ice’ tea, and it’s never unusual to see a big jug steeping in the sun on back porches, patios, and window sills. Is sun tea really better than ordinary tea made with boiling water? Personally, I love it, but I’m not about to argue the point.

Makes 2 quarts

INGREDIENTS

• 4 tablespoons loose orange pekoe tea
• 2 quarts water
• 1⁄2 lemon, seeded
• Sugar to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place the tea in a large jug or jar with a screw top.
2. Add the water to the jug or jar.
3. Squeeze the lemon into the water.
4. Drop the squeezed lemon into the water.
5. Cover the jug or jar tightly.
6. Place the container in full sunlight.
7. Let the tea steep from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the intensity of the sun and how strong you like your tea.
8. Strain the tea through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a pitcher.
9. Sweeten the tea with sugar to taste, if desired.
10. Fill tall glasses with ice cubes (not crushed ice).
11. Pour the sweetened tea over the ice cubes in the glasses.
12. Serve and enjoy!