1 star anise
1 tsp orange blossom water
1 vanilla bean
Pinch each of ground clove and ground cinnamon
1/2 cup Chinese black tea leaves
1 cup sugar
Few drops red food coloring (optional)
Half-and-half or sweetened condensed milk
Bring 1/2 gallon of cold water to a boil in a saucepan. Add star anise, orange blossom water, vanilla bean, clove, cinnamon, and black tea. Boil for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in sugar and food coloring (optional, but traditional). Cover, and steep until the tea is tepid. Fill tall glasses at least halfway with crushed ice. Strain the tea and pour over the ice. Top each glass with half-and-half or sweetened condensed milk.