6 sticks cinnamon
16 whole cloves
1 tsp. whole allspice
3 med. oranges, cut into halves
6 c. apple cider or apple juice
1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. aromatic bitters
1 c. rum (opt.)
Cheesecloth

Put first 3 ingredients into cheesecloth and tie with string. Set aside. Put all other ingredients into a large cooking utensil. Mix them together. Add the cheesecloth with spices. Simmer covered for 20 minutes. Add rum for last 5 minutes. Remove cheesecloth and oranges. Serve warm and in mugs.