Southern Sweet Iced Tea

1In 4-cup micro-safe measuring cup with pour spout (such as Pyrex), heat 3 cups water to boiling in microwave on high. (My microwave takes 5 minutes.) Add baking soda and stir in. *Make sure your water has stopped bubbling before adding or it can bubble over. Add tea bags, holding the strings and tabs, and poke down till all are covered as best you can. Lay tabs over side of glass and place plate or lid on top. Steep for 30 minutes. Remove tea bags to plate. Add 2 cups sugar to measuring cup of tea concentrate. Stir til fully dissolved. 1-2 minutes. **If using a glass pitcher, fill pitcher halfway with cold water, then add tea concentrate, then fill rest of the way full with more cold water. (This prevents your pitcher from breaking from the hot tea!) Place pitcher in refridgerator to chill. Serve over ice with fresh lemon wedges and mint sprigs if desired. Makes a perfect pitcher every time! Enjoy!