My nana used to make this in huge batches and gift them to neighbors in mason jars! Now I’m doing the same

Ingredients

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1 cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
4 black tea bags, preferably Orange Pekoe or other robust black tea
1 gallon of water, divided
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Lemon slices for garnish (optional)