For my sweet tea, I just bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a 2 or 3 quart pot, turn it off and add 4 family size tea bags or 12 reg. tea bags. Let them seep for half an hour, take the bags out and add enough cold water so its not hot, put it in a glass pitcher and add more cold water, add the sugar to sweeten to your taste. I like my sweet tea dark and sweet!!!