Step 1

For the Stone Fruit Syrup: Add water, sugar, and vanilla bean to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add dried apricots and simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes, then remove vanilla bean and pour syrup and fruit into a blender. Add fresh peach or nectarine and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer, if desired, for a more polished appearance. Syrup can be used immediately or refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Step 2

For the Punch: Add Stone Fruit Syrup, rum, tea, and lemon to a pitcher. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 6 hours. To serve, pour punch into ice-filled glasses, each garnished with a mint sprig.