1large handful of fresh mint sprigs(include leaves and stems)
6cupsroom temperature water
8cupsboiling water
1/2tsppure stevia extract(or sweetener of choice—honey works well too)
Instructions
Gather a very large handful of fresh mint leaves. If you want your tea stronger, use two handfuls of leaves.
Rinse the freshly picked mint with clean water.
Put rinsed mint in a large bowl and add 6 cups of clean, room temperature water.
Crush the mint with your clean hands until the water turns a brownish color.
Strain through a fine mesh strainer or a cloth into a gallon jar.
Boil 8 cups of water (I use my electric kettle for this) and pour over the crushed mint leaves that are still in the bowl (that you just strained). Let the mint leaves steep in the boiled water for 10-15 minutes (I just cover the bowl with a plate to let it steep).
Add steeped mint tea to the gallon jar with the rest of the tea. Add your sweetener of choice (I use stevia or honey), and stir well to combine. Add clean water to the jar until you have about a gallon of tea.
Add ice cubes to the tea to help it cool down faster. Serve over ice, and enjoy!