Ingredients for 13 servings:
- Lemon rind strips (from 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 20 whole cloves
- 5 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks, halved
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup Calvados (apple brandy) or applejack (such as Laird's)
- Additional cinnamon sticks (optional)
- Bring first 8 ingredients to a boil in a large Dutch oven. Reduce heat; simmer 20 minutes.
- Pour mixture through a sieve over a large bowl, reserving liquid; discard solids. Stir in brandy.
- Serve in mugs; garnish with additional cinnamon sticks, if desired.
