Sweet Teas

• 12 bags black tea
• 1-3/4 cups sugar
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• Mint sprigs (optional)
• Ice

Prepare the tea up to two days in advance.
In a large pot, bring 2 quarts water to a boil. Add the tea bags, cover and steep for 15 minutes; discard the tea bags. Add the sugar and lemon slices and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Transfer the tea to a 1-gallon pitcher. Stir in 7 cups cold water and the sprigs of mint, if using. Refrigerate until chilled; serve over ice.