Warm Orchard Apple Cider Punch

1.Combine the apple cider, orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and allspice berries in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan.

2.Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the liquid just begins to simmer around the edges. Do not allow it to boil vigorously.

3.Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the mixture steep gently for 15 minutes to allow the spices to fully infuse the cider.

4.Remove the saucepan from the heat. If using alcohol, stir in the rum or bourbon now.

5.Strain the punch base through a fine-mesh sieve into a large heat-safe punch bowl or serving vessel to remove all the whole spices. Discard the spices.

6.Just before serving, gently stir in the chilled ginger ale or sparkling water to add effervescence.

7.Garnish the punch bowl with fresh orange slices and a scattering of fresh cranberries.

8.Serve warm in mugs.