I would think that I live in the very heart of sweet tea USA and I have never heard of anyone down here making a brine from sweet tea. I didn't think you could make a brine without salt, there is no salt in tea and if I made salty tea that just doesn't sound appealing or tasty in the least.
If it can't be smoked .... try frying it. It that don't work, it's probably best just left alone
You might try just using instant tea or fine grind tea leaves in place of the paprika in your favorite rub recipe….. Use a sweet brine with it and you would prolly be perty close…. sounds interesting…..
And on the eighth day God created barbecue …. because he DOES love us and he wants us to be happy.
Current smokers: Egor (trailered RF) and Easybake (tabletop pellet drive)