GZ's Mulled Cider

• 6 cups apple cider
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sliced ginger
• 1 small pinch red chile flakes
• 3 star anise
• 2 cloves
• 2 allspice berries
• 1 orange, sliced
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• Dark rum, for serving, optional

1. Combine the apple cider, cranberries, ginger, red chile flakes, star anise, cloves, allspice, orange slices and 2 of the cinnamon sticks in a medium pot.
2. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and allow the cider to sit for 5 minutes.
4. Strain the cider to remove the spices.
5. If desired, put 1 ounce dark rum in each of 4 large mugs.
6. Divide the cider among the mugs and garnish with the remaining cinnamon sticks.

apple cider, fresh cranberries, ginger, red chile, anise, cloves, berries, orange, cinnamon sticks, rum

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/geoffrey-zakarian/gzs-mulled-cider.html (may not work)