Begin by pouring 4 cups of filtered water into a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Once boiling, carefully remove the saucepan from heat. Add your black tea bags into the hot water and cover the saucepan. Allow the tea to steep for about 5 to 7 minutes.

After steeping, remove the tea bags and stir in the granulated sugar if desired. Add fresh mint leaves to the warm tea and let it steep for an additional 2 minutes.

Strain your tea into a clean pitcher using a fine sieve to catch the mint leaves. Add freshly sliced lemon to the pitcher and allow the tea to cool to room temperature.

Once the tea reaches room temperature, refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving with ice cubes and garnishing with lemon wedges and mint sprigs.