·     6 cups apple cider

·      1 cup fresh cranberries 

·      1 cup sliced ginger

·      1 small pinch red chili 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 chili flakes, star anise, cloves, allspice, orange slices and 2 of the cinnamon sticks in a medium pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Turn off theheat and allow the cider to sit for 5 minutes. Strain the cider to remove the spices.

2.    If desired, put 1-ounce dark rum in each of 4 large mugs. Divide the cider among the mugs and garnish with the remaining cinnamon sticks.