MINTY SPIKED VANILLA ICED TEA

Minty Spiked Vanilla Iced Tea image

Provided by Nancy Fuller

Time 1h35m

Yield 8 servings (2 quarts)

Number Of Ingredients 8

12 large sprigs fresh mint, plus for garnish
6 bags black tea
2 vanilla beans, split lengthwise and seeds scraped
2 vanilla beans, split lengthwise and seeds scraped
1/3 cup sugar
4 to 6 cups ice cubes
16 ounces (2 cups) bourbon
8 thin slices lemon

Steps:

Bring 12 cups water, the mint, tea, vanilla seeds and sugar to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Boil for about 10 minutes, then remove from the heat and let steep for another 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and mint sprigs and strain into large pitcher. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
For each serving, fill a glass with ice, add 2 ounces of the bourbon and pour tea over. Garnish with a mint sprig mint and a lemon slice.