Ingredients

Serves 8

　　2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks plus 8 for garnish

　　10 whole allspice

　　8 whole cloves

　　1 qt cranberry juice cocktail

　　1 qt apple cider

　　2 tablespoons sugar

　　1 Granny Smith apple

　　1 cup Calvados or apple liqueur

　　

Special Equipment

a 6- by 4-inch piece of cheesecloth; kitchen string

　　

Step 1

Wrap 2 cinnamon sticks, allspice, and cloves in cheesecloth and tie with string. Simmer cranberry juice, cider, sugar, and spice bag in a 5-quart heavy pot, uncovered, skimming froth occasionally, 10 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Halve apple and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Add apple slices and Calvados to cider mixture and simmer 2 minutes (slices will remain crisp). Serve hot and garnish with cinnamon sticks.