Apple and Mint Punch

• 2 cups water
• 4 green tea bags
• 1 1/2 cups (100 percent) apple juice (recommended: Martinelli's)
• 1 cup Mint Simple Syrup, recipe follows
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
• 1 cup sparkling water, chilled
• Ice
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 packed cup fresh mint leaves

1. Garnish: fresh mint sprigs, optional
2. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Turn off the heat, add the tea bags and let steep for 6 minutes.
4. Remove the tea bags and cool the tea to room temperature, about 45 minutes.
5. Pour the cooled tea into a large pitcher.
6. Add the apple juice, Mint Simple Syrup and lemon juice.
7. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
8. To serve, add the sparkling water and pour the punch into ice-filled glasses.
9. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs, if desired.
10. Add the water and sugar to a small saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, about 3 minutes.
11. Remove the pan from the heat and add the mint leaves.
12. Allow the syrup to cool, about 20 minutes.
13. Strain before using.

water, green tea, percent, simple syrup, lemon juice, sparkling water, water, sugar, mint

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/apple-and-mint-punch-recipe.html (may not work)