Ingredients

• 8  cups apple cider or apple juice
• 2 to 4  tablespoons brown sugar
• 2  cardamom pods, cracked (or 1/2 teaspoon seed)
• 1  teaspoon whole allspice
•   Cinnamon sticks (optional)

Directions

1. In a large saucepan combine apple cider or juice and brown sugar.

2. For the spice bag, place cardamom seeds and whole allspice on a double-thick, 6-inch-square piece of 100-percent cotton cheesecloth. Bring corners together and tie with a string. Add bag to cider mixture.

3. Bring mixture to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Discard spice bag. To serve, pour mulled cider into a large heatproof punch bowl or mugs. If desired, garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick. Makes 8 (8-ounce) servings.