Ingredients

<p>Makes about 4 cups.</p>

　　4 China oolong tea bags

　　4 cups water

　　1/4 cup sliced peeled fresh gingerroot (about a 2 1/2-by 1 1/2-inch piece)

　　1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon chilled simple syrup, to taste

　　

For simple syrup:

1 1/3 cups sugar

　　1 1/4 cups water

　　

Step 1

Put tea bags in a quart-size glass measure or heatproof bowl.

　　

Step 2

In a saucepan bring water with gingerroot just to a boil and pour over tea bags. Steep tea 5 minutes and remove tea bags. Steep gingerroot 1 1/2 hours more and strain ginger tea through a fine sieve into a pitcher. Cool tea and chill, covered, until cold, about 1 hour.

　　

Step 3

Stir in syrup and serve tea over ice in tall glasses.

　　

To make simple syrup:

Step 4

In a saucepan bring sugar and water to a boil, stirring, and boil until sugar is completely dissolved. Let syrup cool and chill, covered. Syrup may be made 2 weeks ahead and chilled. Makes about 2 cups.