Thai Spice Sweet Tea

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 4 black tea bags (or Thai tea bags for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 sticks cinnamon
• 2-3 whole star anise
• 1/2 inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
• 2-3 cardamom pods, slightly crushed
• 2 cups ice (if serving cold)
• Fresh basil or mint leaves, for garnish
• Lemon or lime slices (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Boil the water and add spices
   In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, ginger, and cardamom pods. Let these spices simmer for 5 minutes to release their flavors.
2. Add tea bags and sugar
   Turn off the heat and add the tea bags to the spiced water. Let them steep for 5 minutes (or longer for a stronger tea). Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar until dissolved.
3. Cool the tea
   Strain the tea into a pitcher to remove the spices. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour if serving cold.
4. Serve the tea
   Pour the chilled tea over ice in glasses. Garnish with fresh basil or mint leaves and a slice of lemon or lime, if desired.
5. Hot tea option
   For a warm drink, skip the chilling step and serve the spiced tea immediately in mugs.