Authentic Sweet Tea

Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.

Remove the pot from the heat and add 1 ounce of loose leaf black tea (such as Ceylon or Assam) to the hot water. Alternatively, use 8 black tea bags.

Allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes. Do not over steep, or the tea will become bitter.

Strain the tea into a heat-safe pitcher, removing all tea leaves or tea bags.

While the tea is still hot, add 1 cup of granulated sugar and stir until completely dissolved.

Add 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher. Stir to combine.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices, if desired.