How To Make Sweet Tea

Step 1

Boil the water. Bring 4 cups of the water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Remove from heat.

Step 2

Steep the tea for 5 minutes. Dunk the tea bags a few times in the water to fully hydrate, then leave submerged with the strings hanging over the side of the pot. After 5 minutes, remove the bags and discard.

Step 3

Add the sugar to the tea. Add the sugar and stir until completely dissolved.

Step 4

Pour the tea base into the pitcher. If using multiple pitchers, divide the tea evenly between them.

Step 5

Top off the pitchers with water. Add 3 more quarts of water to the tea base to make a gallon of sweet tea and stir to combine.

Step 6

Refrigerate until very cold. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight.

Step 7

Serve over ice. Pour the sweet tea into ice-filled glasses. Add a sprig of mint or a slice of lemon to each, if desired!