Orange Oolong Iced Tea

Serves 16

2 quarts (8 cups) cold water (plus more as needed)

12 heaped tablespoons loose oolong tea

4 tablespoons orange zest

1¾ cups granulated sugar

2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice 

Orange slices (for garnish)

Mint sprigs (for garnish)

Ice cubes

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Remove from heat, add loose tea, cover the pot with a lid, and allow tea to steep for 10 minutes.
2. To the pot, add orange zest and sugar. Cover the pot, and for an additional 10 minutes, allow the brewed tea to infuse with the flavor of the orange zest.
3. Uncover the pot and stir well, ensuring that all the sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool completely and then strain into a one (1) gallon container.
4. To the container, add orange juice.
5. Fill the remainder of the container with ice-cold water to yield one (1) gallon.
6. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Pour over ice. If desired, garnish with orange slices and mint sprigs.