Southern SWEET TEA MINT JULEP
2 cups water..............................................................................5-8 fresh mint leaves
1 cup sugar (or 3/4 cup regular white Splenda)...........................3 additional cups of water
2 family-sized tea bags (or 5-6 small bags) ~ if you only have Cold Brew, that's fine
3/4 to 1 cup BOURBON.........................................................ice (crushed or cubes)
optional: lemon slices and mint sprigs
***
Put the 2 cups water, sugar (or Splenda) in a large pyrex measuring cup or microwaveable pitcher or bowl. Cover lightly with waxed paper and microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes; whisk to dissolve sugar. (You might need to microwave it another 1-2 minutes, if the water isn't hot enough to dissolve the sugar.) Lightly mash the mint leaves with a fork; then add the tea bags to the hot, boiling water.
Steep for about 5 minutes.
Remove tea bags and mashed mint leaves; and pour into a serving pitcher. I like to add some additional mint leaves now; and if you want a lemony flavor, put in some lemon slices too. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Add bourbon to tea mixture. Fill glasses with ice. Add tea mixture and garnish with lemon and mint. Squeeze lemon into drink if desired. ** Makes about 4 glasses **