Minty Lemon-lime Iced Tea

Serves 16

2 quarts (8 cups) cold water (plus more as needed)

12 heaped tablespoons loose Ceylon, Earl Grey, or English Breakfast (black) tea  

2 cups coarsely chopped mint

1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon lime zest

2½ cups granulated sugar

Lemon wedges (for garnish)

Mint sprigs (for garnish)

Ice cubes  

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Remove from heat, add loose tea, cover the pot with a lid, and allow tea to steep for 10 minutes.
2. To the pot, add chopped mint, lemon zest, lime zest, and sugar. Cover the pot, and for an additional 10 minutes, allow the brewed tea to infuse with the flavors of the added ingredients.
3. Uncover the pot and stir well, ensuring that all the sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool completely and then strain into a one (1) gallon container.
4. To the container, add lemon and lime juice. Fill the remainder of the container with ice-cold water to yield one (1) gallon.
5. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Pour over ice. If desired, garnish each serving glass with a wedge of lemon and a sprig of mint.