Ingredients

• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom seeds, or 4 pods, smashed
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 bags black tea, such as English breakfast
• 12 sprigs fresh mint
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 6 ounces light rum
• Sparkling water, for topping

Instructions

1. Combine the cardamom, cinnamon and 3 cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a bare simmer. Remove from the heat, stir in the sugar, and add the tea bags and 4 sprigs of the mint. Let steep for 6 minutes, then remove the tea bags. Let the tea cool to room temperature. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill. Strain the tea into a measuring cup, discarding the solids. Stir in the lemon juice.
2. Tear the remaining 8 sprigs mint and divide them evenly among 4 rocks glasses. Gently muddle the mint with the back of a spoon. Fill the glasses with ice, then divide the chilled tea evenly among the glasses. Add a shot (1 1/2 ounces) of rum to each glass and top off with a splash of sparkling water. Stir and serve.