1) Ingredients: 1 cup (240 ml) water, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 2–3 Earl Grey tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose Earl Grey tea (adjust to taste). Optional: 1 tsp fresh lemon zest or 1 tbsp vodka (for preservation).\n2) Sanitize a storage bottle/jar by washing with hot soapy water and rinsing well; for longer storage, pour boiling water into the jar, let sit 2 minutes, then empty.\n3) In a small saucepan, bring the water to a gentle simmer. Add the sugar and stir until fully dissolved (do not boil vigorously).\n4) Remove the pan from heat. Add the tea bags or loose tea (in a fine mesh infuser). Cover and steep 6–12 minutes depending on desired strength (6–8 min = medium, up to 12 min = stronger/flavorful).\n5) Taste after 6–8 minutes. If it’s too weak, you may steep a little longer but avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.\n6) Remove tea bags or strain out loose tea through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a heatproof container. If using lemon zest, add it now and steep 5 more minutes off heat, then remove zest.\n7) (Optional) Stir in 1 tablespoon vodka per cup of syrup to extend shelf life slightly and add stability.\n8) Let syrup cool to room temperature, transfer to the sanitized bottle or jar, seal, label with date, and refrigerate.\n9) Use within recommended shelf life and discard if you notice cloudiness, off smells, or mold.