Spiced Bourbon Old Fashioned

Bourbon Drink

For masala spice syrup:

4-5 green cardamom pods
2 whole star anise pod
1 cinnamon stick
1 inch ginger, sliced
½ teaspoon garma masala
1 lemon
2 whole cloves
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
For the Cocktails:

6 ounces bourbon, such as Bulleit Bourbon
3 ounces garma masala syrup
2 ounces fresh juice from 2 to 3 lemons
8 ounces black tea
1 cinnamon stick for garnish
Pinch of garma masala
1 star anise

Method:

For the Masala Spice Syrup: Toast cardamom pods, star anise, cloves, and one cinnamon stick in a dry medium skillet over medium heat, tossing and stirring frequently until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add garma masala, ginger, sugar, and water and place over medium high heat. Cook, stirring, until just starting to boil. Cover and remove from heat. Let rest for 2 hours. Strain into an airtight container.

For the Cocktails: In a pitcher, combine bourbon, 3 ounces masala spice syrup, and lemon juice. Stir well. Add tea and stir gently. To serve, fill rocks glasses with ice, pour in 4 3/4 ounces of the cocktail and garnish with cinnamon stick and pinch of garma masala