Spiced Apple Cider

Ingredients

• 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  apple  juice
• Additional cinnamon sticks (optional)

Preparation

    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 apple juice. Serve in mugs; garnish with additional cinnamon sticks, if desired.