While the bags are steeping, this is your chance to commit a delightful sin: add sugar. I’m talking half a cup to a full cup of granulated sugar. Pour it in while the water is still hot, or you’ll end up with a gritty sandcastle at the bottom of your pitcher.
Stir until it dissolves. If you’re feeling fancy (or mildly rebellious), swap the sugar for honey or simple syrup. But remember: Lipton iced tea demands sweetness. It’s not a suggestion; it’s a treaty with Southern grandmothers everywhere.