Ingredients

  • 6 cups water
  • 8 black tea bags, such as Earl Grey
  • 12 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 12 cups dark rum, such as Bacardi, chilled (or to taste)
  • 14 cup lime juice
  • ice cube
  • 2 cups club soda, chilled
  • 3 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • lime wedge
  • fresh mint sprig

Method

  • In a small saucepan bring 3 cups of the water to boiling.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Add tea bags; let steep for 10 minutes.
  • Discard tea bags.
  • Transfer tea to a heatproof pitcher.
  • Stir brown sugar into tea until dissolved.
  • Stir in the remaining 3 cups water, the rum, and lime juice.
  • Cover and chill for 2 to 48 hours.
  • To serve, pour tea mixture into highball glasses over ice cubes.
  • Slowly pour in club soda; stir gently.
  • Garnish with watermelon and lime wedges on toothpicks , and mint leaf or sprig.