I use a coffee maker. I have one for coffee and a separate one for tea. Put 4 regular tea bags in, let it brew and then sit for 10-15 minutes. I use 1 cup of sugar in a gallon pitcher, pour hot tea over the sugar to melt, stir, then finish filling with cold water and stir the contents. Makes a nice strong tea. Amount of sugar would depend on how sweet you like your tea. For me 1 cup is perfect. This was how my momma made tea, only she boiled her water and then steeped it. I like to use a coffee pot. Hope this helps.