This is a wonderfully warm and cheery punch for the holiday season. The recipe below makes enough for a punch bowl, but we frequently prepare a much smaller version with only 2 cups of cider, cutting back the other ingredients accordingly.
Note: This recipe contains alcohol. Please drink responsibly and always have a designated driving if you have to get somewhere!
4 cups fresh apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tablespoon whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 small lemon
1 small orange
1 bottle moderately dry white wine
1/5 cup dark rum
Wash and slice the orange and the lemon, discarding the ends. Put all ingredients except the wine and rum into a large pot. Simmer together for 1-2 hours. Enjoy the fragrance that will fill your home as the pot simmers!
Remove from heat. Add wine and rum to mixture about 5 minutes prior to serving, after removing from heat. Serve hot.