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tea in pitcher with tea bags and tall glass of iced tea

How to Make a Gallon of Tea

Courtney
Make a gallon of iced tea perfectly every time!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 7 minutes
Additional Time 1 minute
Total Time 1 minute
Course Black Tea
Cuisine American
Servings 15 Servings
Calories 1 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 10-16 Tea Bags
  • 1 Gallon Water
  • Lemon Slices optional
  • Mint Slices optional

Instructions
 

How to Brew a Gallon of Tea

  • Add 1 gallon (16 cups) of water to a large pot. 
  • If you are making sweet tea, now is a good time to add your sugar. 
  • Bring water to a boil.
  • 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.)
  • Steep covered for 5 full minutes.
  • Remove tea bags and allow the tea to cool down.
  • Transfer and store in the refrigerator until serving.

How to Cold Brew a Gallon of Tea

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

Notes

  • 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.

    • This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only.

    Keyword how many tea bags for a gallon