Apple of my iced tea

Put 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until very warm, then stir to dissolve sugar. Add 1/4 cup fresh anise hyssop or mint leaves, cover bowl, and set aside about 1 hour. Strain syrup. Fill 2 glasses with ice and add 2 tbsp. syrup to each. Pour in 1/2 cup each hard apple cider* and brewed, cooled black tea. Garnish each with an apple wedge. Chill remaining syrup to use another time.

*Find in grocery stores alongside beer.