How Many Tea Bags for a Gallon of Tea?

Welcome to your ultimate guide to making a large batch of tea! Whether you are brewing tea for a crowd or just for yourself, knowing how many tea bags for a gallon of tea is essential! Here we will break it down so you can make the perfect cup of tea every time!

Tea is a sure crowd-pleaser. It can be made with black tea, green tea, oolong, or herbal tea, just to name a few. Tea is the perfect make-ahead drink and can be served hot or over ice. Some love it just as it is, while others prefer a bit of sugar or milk.  Iced tea is the quintessential summer drink, and it looks beautiful on its own or with garnishes such as mint, lemon, or rosemary. I have previously shared my popular recipes for raspberry iced tea and blueberry iced tea. Both winners for large crowds! The big question is, how many tea bags to use for making such a large quantity of tea? 

How Many Tea Bags for a Gallon of Tea

In general, 1 tea bag per 8 ounces of water is the rule. I apply this when making large quantities as well. Most tea bags contain a little less than 1 teaspoon but more than 3/4 teaspoon of tea. Keep this in mind if you are using family-size tea bags as you won’t need as many tea bags when using those. So, how many tea bags for a gallon of tea? Use 16 regular-sized tea bags or 4 family-sized tea bags per 1 gallon of water.

Of course, you can use more or less depending upon how you like your tea to taste!

How Many Tea Bags for a Gallon of Iced Tea

For iced tea, the trick is to brew tea strong enough so it won’t water down when poured over ice. I’ve found that for black tea 16 tea bags are the perfect ratio. Be sure to allow the tea time to cool before serving over ice.

How Many Tea Bags for a Gallon of Sun Tea

The same amount of tea bags used for traditional tea making can be applied to sun tea as well. See here for more tips and cautions on making sun tea!

How Many Family Size Tea Bags for a Gallon of Tea?

Family-sized tea bags are larger bags that contain more tea leaves than regular size tea bags. In general, one family-sized tea bag makes 1 quart of tea. Use 4 family-size tea bags for 1 gallon of tea. 

How Much Tea for a Gallon of Herbal Tea

The same rules apply for herbal tea although you can generally steep herbal tea longer in hot water and it is often recommended. You can also cold brew herbal tea with beautiful results. Check out my tips for iced chamomile tea and iced roselle tea! Use 10-16 tea bags per 1 gallon of water to make herbal tea. To make a gallon of herbal tea using loose tea, use 1/3-1/2 cup of tea for 1 gallon of water.

How to Brew a Gallon of Iced Tea

1. Add 1 gallon (16 cups) of water to a large pot. 
2. If you are making sweet tea, now is a good time to add your sugar. 
3. Bring water to a boil.
4. Turn off the heat and add in tea bags. Be sure to fully submerge the tea bags in the water. (If your tea bags have paper tags on the end of the strings either remove the paper or hang them over the edge of the pot carefully to avoid any flame.)
5. Steep covered for 5 full minutes.
6. Remove tea bags and allow the tea to cool down.
7. Transfer and store in the refrigerator until serving.

How to Cold Brew a Gallon of Iced Tea

1. Add tea bags to one gallon of water. (Or divide between 4, 1-quart containers)
2. Secure lid and refrigerate for 4-12 hours.
3. Remove tea bags. Your tea is ready to serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Recipe Tips

• Lipton Tea is a favorite for iced tea! It is smooth, bright, and full of flavor.
• Do not be tempted to over steep tea. For true teas such as black and oolong only steep for 5 minutes in hot water. For green tea 3 minutes in hot water should be perfect. Herbal teas may steep up to 10 minutes. 
• To make stronger tea, simply add more tea and avoid over steeping.
• Allow the tea to fully cool before serving over ice.
• Experiment with times between 4-12 hours for your favorite cold brew tea!
• Use fresh herbs such as rosemary, mint, or lavender to garnish and add subtle flavor.
• Add more flavor and bright color with slices of lemon or lime.

Measurement Glossary

• 16 Cups = 1 Gallon
• 4 Quarts = 1 Gallon
• 8 Pints = 1 Gallon

More Recipes You Will Love!

• Iced London Fog
• Peach Iced Tea
• Blackberry Iced Tea

I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and let’s connect! If you try this recipe, please come back and leave a review!