Wow! I only steep my tea for 3-5 minutes and never more than 10 minutes.... 3 family size Lipton Tea bags to make a gallon of tea. Bring water to a boil, take the pot off the burner and add the tea bags. Add sugar... I only use about 1/2 cup sugar, but that's a personal preference. For really sweet tea, add more sugar. Be sure to put the sugar in while the water is hot so it will melt well. Then add cold water to fill your container. Tweek to your own taste.