Start by thoroughly cleaning your glass jar or BPA-free vessel. Fill it with 1 gallon of good-quality water, leaving some space at the top for the tea bags and any optional additions.

Place 4 to 6 good-quality tea bags into the water. You can also add fresh lemon slices and mint leaves. Gently agitate the jar to immerse the bags fully.

Loosely cover the jar with a lid or cheesecloth to keep it protected from insects and debris while allowing sunlight to enter.

Place your jar in a sunny spot outdoors for 2 to 4 hours. Keep an eye on the steeping process; taste a little at 2 hours.

Carefully remove the tea bags and any solid additions like lemon or mint after steeping.

Refrigerate your freshly brewed sun tea for a couple of hours to chill before serving. Garnish with additional lemon slices or mint sprigs.