A southern classic –
12 regular plain old tea bags
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 quart fresh water
1 quart ice cubes
1 1/4 cup simple syrup
Simple Syrup
Bring 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar to a boil stirring until sugar is dissolved.
Cool 30 minutes
Put teabags and baking soda in a large heatproof glass pitcher.
Bring water just to a rolling boil.
Pour over tea bags in pitcher.
Make sure teabags are submerged.
Cover and steep for 7-8 minutes.
Remove tea bags and discard.
Add ice
Stir until ice melts
Stir in simple syrup
Serve over ice with lemon and mint if desired.