3 family size tea bags
4 c. water
1 1/3 c. sugar
pinch of baking soda (less than 1/4 tsp.)

Bring water to boil. Add tea bags and baking soda. Remove from heat and cover. Allow to sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Pour into gallon pitcher and add sugar. Then fill with cold water. Refrigerate.

The baking soda removes the bitterness and darkens the tea. The small amount used is not detectable in the flavor.