Old glass sun tea jars are one of those things I hate to throw away because the glass is sturdy, the scale is generous, and they always seem like they ought to become something useful. This project turns three old jars into a handsome autumn beverage dispenser station with warm copper details, and it’s exactly the kind of upcycle that looks far more expensive than it is.
I designed this version to be practical enough for actual entertaining, with three separate drink jars mounted on a simple wood base and fitted with spigots so guests can serve themselves. The copper tubing adds that polished seasonal touch without making the build fussy, and the finished piece works beautifully for cider, punch, infused water, or even a hot-chocolate topping bar if you use the jars dry. If you’re comfortable with basic drilling and measuring, you can make this in an afternoon.
Materials
3 old glass sun tea jars, 1 to 1 1/2 gallons each, washed and dried
Instructions
1. Wash the sun tea jars and lids thoroughly, remove any old seals or hardware, and let everything dry completely so the spigot gaskets can seal well.
2. Sand the 36-inch base board and the 36-inch support rail with 120-grit, then smooth with 220-grit, rounding the front corners slightly so the stand looks finished and feels comfortable to move.
3. Stain both boards on all sides, let them dry, then apply two light coats of clear sealer for a wipeable surface that can handle drink drips and outdoor moisture.
4. Center the 1 x 4 support rail along the back long edge of the base board and screw it in from underneath with the 1 1/4-inch screws, using six evenly spaced screws to make a sturdy back brace.
5. Mark jar positions on the base so the three jars sit evenly spaced, leaving about 2 inches between jars and about 3 inches at each end; test-fit the jars before attaching anything else.
6. Clean the copper tubing, then place two 8-inch tubes upright behind each jar position, spacing each pair about 4 inches apart to visually frame the jar without crowding it.
7. Fasten the copper tubes to the base and rear support rail with copper pipe straps, using one strap near the bottom and one near the top of each tube so the six uprights feel intentional and secure.
8. Place a rubber or cork pad at each jar location to cushion the glass and help prevent sliding when the jars are full.
9. Measure the spigot shank on your hardware and mark a hole on each jar, centered 1 1/2 to 2 inches up from the bottom so there’s room for the nut inside while still dispensing most of the drink.
10. Apply painter’s tape over each mark, then drill each jar slowly with a glass/tile bit at the correct size, keeping the bit and glass cool with a trickle of water and using very light pressure.
11. Insert each spigot with its silicone washers according to the hardware directions, add a thin bead of clear silicone if needed, and tighten the inside nut just snug enough to seal without stressing the glass.
12. Fill each jar with water and let them sit for 15 minutes to check for leaks; if a fitting seeps, tighten it a touch more or reset the washer before moving on.
13. Set the jars on the padded base between the copper uprights, turning the spigots forward and aligning the handles so all three look neat from the front.
14. Wrap a little jute twine or autumn ribbon around each jar neck and tuck in a small faux leaf pick or eucalyptus sprig for a simple seasonal finish that doesn’t interfere with the lids.
15. Fill the jars with apple cider, cranberry punch, and orange-infused water, or any trio of fall drinks you like, then place the lids on and set the dispenser station out with plenty of glasses underneath the spigots.
Variations & Tips
Hot drink caution: These jars are best for cold or room-temperature beverages unless you know they are rated for heat-safe use. I stick to cider served cool, punches, and infused waters to avoid stressing older glass.
Copper finish option: If you love bright shiny copper, polish it before assembly and seal it with a clear metal sealer. If you prefer a softer farmhouse look, let it age naturally and just wipe it clean.
Base upgrade: For extra height, add four 2-inch furniture feet under the wood base so cups fit more easily beneath the spigots. I especially like this if I’m using stemless tumblers or short mason jar glasses.
Jar spacing: Before drilling anything into the wood, set out your actual jars and test with cups under the spigots. Older sun tea jars can vary more than you’d think, and a half inch of extra breathing room can make serving much easier.
Drink ideas: A trio of apple cider, spiced tea, and lemon-rosemary water looks beautiful because the liquids create their own autumn color palette. If I’m hosting brunch, I’ll do cranberry orange punch, chai sweet tea, and pear-infused water.
Leak prevention: The secret is a clean hole, correctly placed silicone washers, and not overtightening. With glass, snug is enough; too much force is where problems start.
Decor swap: Replace the leaf picks with cinnamon-stick bundles, dried orange slices tied at the neck, or a simple copper-tag charm for a more rustic or more polished look depending on your table style.