Step 1

Place the sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to help the sugar dissolve. When the liquid is clear, add the seeds and vanilla pod and simmer for 3 minutes more. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 2

Meanwhile, bring 6 cups (48 ounces) of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat, add the tea bags, cover, and let steep 5 minutes. Use a spoon to firmly squeeze the liquid out of the tea bags before removing them from the pot.

Step 3

Divide the tea between 4 large mugs. Add 1/4 cup of the milk and 1 to 2 tablespoons of the vanilla syrup (or to taste) to each mug. Serve hot.