Zombie Punch Mocktail

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 thin slice fresh ginger
• 1 star anise pod, optional
• 1 cup chilled strong black tea
• 1/2 cup pink grapefruit juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons grenadine
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups crushed ice
• 1/2 cup chilled sparkling water
• Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
• Grapefruit wedges, for garnish

Directions

1. Combine the sugar, water, cinnamon stick, cloves, ginger and star anise in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then simmer gently for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover and let steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain and chill.
2. Add the black tea, grapefruit juice, lime juice, grenadine, almond extract and 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon syrup to a blender. Add the crushed ice and blend for just a few seconds, until cold and slushy but not watery.
3. Pour into two tall glasses and top each with sparkling water. Stir gently, then garnish with mint and grapefruit wedges.