Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 5 cups water
• 5 Earl Grey tea bags
• 4 dried or fresh lemon slices, plus extra for garnish (see Cook's Note)
• Ice
• Sparkling water

Instructions

1. For the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until the sugar has dissolved, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool, about 20 minutes.
2. For the tea: In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the tea bags and lemon slices. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. Remove the tea bags and discard.
3. Pour the syrup and tea mixture into an ice-filled pitcher. Pour into glasses and add a splash of sparkling water. Garnish with lemon slices and serve.