Ginger-Tea Lemonade

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups water
• 3 black tea bags, preferably English breakfast tea
• 1-1/3 cups Ginger Simple Syrup, recipe follows
• 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice, from 3 to 4 lemons
• 1 cup sparkling water or club soda, chilled
• 2 cups ice
• Lemon slices, for garnish, optional