1quartapple ciderfreshly squeezed apple juice may be used (4 cups) or unfiltered apple juice
1quartfruit juicesweetened or naturally sweetened -no refined cane sugar (4 cups) or cranberry juice
1/4cupmaple syrupor coconut palm sugar or sucanat
4allspice berriesor 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
4whole clovesor 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
6star anise pods
4cinnamon sticks
1lemon zested, white pith removed - see instructions
1orangezested, white pith removed - see instructions
1 1/2cupsspiced rumor dark rum or brandy - optional
Instructions
Remove the peels from the citrus with a vegetable peeler a strip at a time, remove any of the bitter white pith by scraping off with the side of a knife.
Add all of the ingredients to a large pot, and simmer over low heat, covered, for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and pour through a strainer into a large bowl or glass pitcher. Add rum or brandy if using. Serve immediately or reheat to serve, or cool and chill in the refrigerator and serve cold. Each glass can be garnished with a cinnamon stick and apple slices if desired.