1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup water 4 Earl Grey tea bags 1 (1-ounce) package fresh mint (about 1 cup) 1 1/4 cups bourbon 1/3 cup fresh lime juice 1 3/4 cups chilled sparkling wine Mint sprigs (optional)

Combine sugar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave at high 3 minutes, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add tea bags and mint to sugar syrup; steep 20 minutes. Discard tea bags and mint. Stir in bourbon and juice; chill. Pour tea mixture into a pitcher; stir in sparkling wine. Garnish with mint sprigs, if desired; serve immediately.