Ingredients:

  • 3 cups filtered water
  • 4 bags high-quality black tea
  • 1 sprig fresh mint
  • 2 oz premium vodka
  • 2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1.5 oz simple syrup (1:1 ratio)
  • Large clear ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Bring 3 cups of water to a simmer. Steep 4 black tea bags for exactly 4 minutes. Remove bags and allow the tea concentrate to cool to room temperature or flash-chill in the freezer for 10 minutes.
  2. Using a handheld citrus press, extract 2 ounces of fresh lemon juice. Strain to remove pulp for a clean, translucent appearance.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine equal parts water and sugar over low heat until dissolved to create the simple syrup. Measure out 1.5 ounces for the cocktail.
  4. In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, combine 2 oz vodka, 2 oz lemon juice, 1.5 oz simple syrup, and approximately 3.5 oz of the cooled tea concentrate to maintain the 50/50 tea-to-lemonade ratio.
  5. Fill a highball or Collins glass with large, clear ice cubes. Pour the mixture over the ice and garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.