Ice tea from Val Venosta Apricots (Vinschger Marillen)

For 4 bottles

1 kg "Vinschger" apricots (from the Venosta Valley / Val Venosta)
1 kg sugar
1,5 l water
3 bags black tea

Bring the water to the boil in a large pot and steep the 3 bags of black tea for a few minutes and remove.
Pit the apricots and cut them into small pieces. Add them to the black tea together with the sugar and simmer gently for 20 minutes.
Stir from time to time. Strain through a fine cloth and bottle while still hot.
Store in a cool, dark place.

TIP: Add ice cubes, lemon zest and a leaf of mint to make a refreshing summer drink.