Fill the water compartment up to the top with water. Add ice to the ice line on the pitcher then pour the sugar over top of the ice.
Tear the mint leaves off the stems or fold them so they will fit into a coffee filter. Place the coffee filter in the compartment at the top of the tea maker. Add a tea bag, if you'd like it a little stronger. Align the pitcher, cover the filter compartment, and hit brew. When the tea is finished brewing, give it a good stir and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.