Begin by boiling 2 quarts of purified water in a large pot. Make sure to bring it to a rolling boil before proceeding to the next step. Watching the bubbles dance is almost therapeutic, don’t you think?

Once the water is at a boil, remove it from the heat. Place the tea bags into the pot and let them steep for about 5–7 minutes. You want to achieve a robust flavor, so don’t be shy in leaving it for a few extra minutes if you like a bolder taste.

Next up, remove the tea bags and add the granulated sugar to the hot tea. Stir until it’s completely dissolved. After that, add a small pinch of baking soda. It helps to mellow out the tannins of the tea, ensuring it tastes smooth without bitterness.

To amp up the flavor, add in the fresh basil leaves and vanilla extract. Stir gently. This combination is not something you will find in every sweet tea recipe and will elevate yours.

Let the tea cool to room temperature. After it has cooled, transfer it to a pitcher and chill it in the refrigerator for about an hour. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld together.

Once chilled, serve the sweet tea in glasses filled with ice cubes. Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprig of fresh mint. Not only does this look stunning, but the added freshness makes a difference.