High-Tea Cocktail

Directions

1. 1
   Toast the cardamom pods in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. 2
   Add 3 cups water, the sugar and ginger and bring to a boil.
3. 3
   Reduce the heat and simmer until the mixture is reduced to 2 cups, about 10 minutes.
4. 4
   Strain the syrup into a glass measuring cup; if you have less than 2 cups syrup, add hot water.
5. 5
   Add the tea bags and steep, about 3 minutes.
6. 6
   Discard the bags and cool the syrup to room temperature (don't squeeze the bags or the syrup will taste tannic).
7. 7
   Combine the syrup, gin, vermouth and bitters in a large cocktail shaker with ice.
8. 8
   Shake until frothy, about 15 seconds, then pour into a pitcher filled with ice.
9. 9
   Garnish with orange and/or lemon twists.
10. 10
    Photograph by Stephanie Foley