When I make sweet tea, I use 4 family-size tea bags to the gallon. I bring about 4 cups of water to a boil, add the 4 tea bags and a tiny pinch of baking soda (helps keep it from being bitter), and let steep for 10-15 minutes or longer (I like mine strong). Then I add 1 1/2 cups of sugar, stir well, pour into a pitcher and add water to make 1 gallon. That's it! (Husband likes 2 cups of sugar, my parents like 1 cup, I like 1 1/2 cups.)