Spiked Basil Sweet Tea

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 family-sized tea bags (or 10 regular tea bags);

• 1 ½ cups sugar;

• pinch baking soda;

• 1 lemon, sliced into thin wheels;

• 1 orange, sliced into thin wheels;

• 10 basil leaves;

• 1 1/2 cups J.W. Kelly Single Barrel Select Bourbon;

• ice

PREPARATION:

1. In a saucepan, cover the tea bags with water, about 2 ½ cups and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and squeeze. This can be made in advance.

2. In a large pitcher, combine the sugar and baking soda with 1 cup of cool water. Pour in the hot tea and stir to dissolve the sugar. Fill the pitcher with additional 12 -13 cups of cool water.

3. Crumple the basil and add to the pitcher. Stir. Add the sliced orange and half of the sliced lemons to the pitcher.

4. In a glass filled with ice, add 2 ounces of bourbon and fill with sweet tea.

5. Garnish with lemon wheel and a basil sprig.

Courtesy of drinkmemag.com