Preparation

Make the tea:

• Steep the tea bags in 2 cups boiling hot water for 30 minutes. Discard the tea bags and stir in the sugar until dissolved.

Make the cocktail:

• Pour 1-1/2 fl. oz. (3 Tbs.) of the mint tea, the lemon juice, rums, and soda into an 8- to 11-oz. Collins glass that’s two-thirds full of crushed ice. Hold the handle of a swizzle stick, an upside-down wooden spoon, or bar spoon between your hands, sliding one hand back and forth to rotate the stirrer rapidly until the drink is chilled, about 10 seconds. Add more crushed ice to fill the glass and stir to mix. Garnish with the mint sprigs, julep-style.