Sweet Tea Ingredients: 1-ounce loose black tea 1 quart hot water 1 quart room temperature water 5 cups sugar 3 cups cold water Infuse loose tea into hot water for 4 to 5 minutes. Strain tea into room temperature water. Sweeten with simple syrup if desired. For simple syrup, in a small non- reactive pot combine 5 cups of sugar and 3 cups of cold water. Slowly bring to a boil and add 6 sliced lemons and a few sprigs of fresh mint. Remove from heat. Allow to cool 10 minutes and strain.