Ruby Red Spiced Cider

Ingredients

• 6 Red Zinger tea bags
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 20 whole cloves
• 4 allspice berries, crushed
• 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 8 cups apple cider
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1 cup rum, optional

Preparation

1. 1. Put tea bags, cinnamon, cloves, allspice berries, ginger and brown sugar in a large heatproof container. Pour 4 cups of boiling water over tea and spices. Stir well. Let steep until liquid has cooled to room temperature, 2 hours. Strain into a pitcher; add cider and juice. Discard tea bags and spices.
2. 2. If serving cold, place covered pitcher in refrigerator, chill until cold and serve over ice. If serving warm, pour into a slow cooker, cover and cook on low until warm, about 2 hours. Add rum to cooker, if desired, or add 1 Tbsp. rum each to individual glasses. Alternately, heat spiced cider in a large pot over low heat until warm and serve.