Mulled Cranberry-Orange Cider

Ingredients

• 4 whole cloves
• 4 whole allspice
• 2 star anise
• 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick, broken in half
• 5 cups apple cider
• 3 cups cranberry juice cocktail
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 4 orange slices
• 8 star anise (optional)
• 8 small orange slices (optional)

Preparation

1. Place first 4 ingredients on a cheesecloth square. Gather edges of cheesecloth together; tie securely. Combine spice bag, cider, cranberry juice, sugar, and 4 orange slices in a Dutch oven. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, partially covered, 10 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 30 minutes. Discard spice bag and orange slices. Serve with additional anise and orange slices, if desired.