SPIKED SWEET TEA

Spiked Sweet Tea image

Provided by Michael Chiarello : Food Network

Time 20m

Yield 1 quart

Number Of Ingredients 7

6 cups sugar
3 cups water, plus 2 quarts, divided
1 1/2 ounces (or 3/4 cup) loose black tea leaves
Ice cubes
2 lemons, zested
1/2 bunch fresh mint
2 ounces your favorite whiskey or bourbon per serving (recommended: Maker's Mark)

Steps:

Combine sugar and 3 cups water in a non-reactive saucepan. Slowly heat until sugar melts. Remove from heat and cool.
Infuse the black tea in 1 quart of just boiled water for 2 minutes. Strain tea into a pitcher and then add 1 quart of room temperature water.
Combine the tea and the cooled simple syrup, mixing well. Refrigerate until cool.
To serve, fill a 12-ounce glass with ice cubes, a pinch of zest, and a sprig of mint. Add 2 ounces whiskey or bourbon and fill to the top with the sweetened tea. Stir and serve. Repeat as needed.