My GF also adds a handful of mint from her garden, and OMG, that is the most delicious, refreshing summer drink ever!

Here's what I do:

Boil about 1.5 quarts of water.  Drop in 3-4 family sized tea bags.  Remove from heat and steep for ~5 minutes.  If adding sugar, I put it in the pitcher first and then pour the hot tea over it so it all dissolves.  Then I add enough water to make 1 gallon.  Comes out great every time. 

We use bottled water and I think it comes out better.

I swear, growing up, we always had iced tea.  I made it a million times.  I would boil water, put several tea bags in the water, cover and let it steep a few minutes.  Pour in container with ice and perfect. 
I cannot seem to make a decent pitcher of tea!  WTH?  Wondering if its the water?  IDK.  I've also put it in the coffee pot and brewed it.  still tastes like crap in my opinion. 

any ideas