Sweet Teas

• 7 cups water
• 6 orange pekoe tea bags
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 1/3 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup Bacardi 151 or other high-proof golden rum
• Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

Bring 4 cups of the water to a boil in a medium saucepan and add the tea bags. Remove the pan from the heat, cover it, and allow the tea bags to steep for 5 minutes.
Remove and discard the tea bags. Add the sugar to the saucepan and stir until dissolved. Add the remaining 3 cups water and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to a pitcher, and add the lemon juice and rum. Chill thoroughly before serving.
Serve over ice, in tall glasses garnished with mint sprigs.