Active Time

　　10 min

　　Total Time

　　1 1/2 hr (inludes cooling)

　　By this point in the summer, the mint in most gardens has grown knee-high and is threatening to take over. Don't panic—harvest a few armloads and turn the bounty into a refreshing drink. Plan on making a couple of batches, both with and without alcohol: Adults will swoon over the smooth, bourbon-laced juleps; kids will enjoy the lightly sweetened herbal tea all on its own.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 8 drinks

　　

For tea:

2 quarts water

　　4 quarts mint sprigs (6 ounces)

　　1/2 cup sugar

　　

For cocktail:

8 ounces (1 cup) bourbon

　　Garnish: mint sprigs

　　

Make Tea:

Step 1

Bring water, mint, and sugar to a boil in a 4-to 5-quart saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved, then simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Strain through a sieve into a large pitcher, pressing on and then discarding mint.

　　

Make cocktails:

Step 2

Fill 8 (8-ounces) glasses halfway with ice. Add 2 tablespoons bourbon to each glass, then top off with mint tea.

　　Cooks' note:

　　Mint tea can be made 2 days ahead and chilled.