Ingredients
4 cups water
2 cups sugar
12 whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
4 allspice berries
2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger
8 cups apple cider
3 cups orange juice
2 cups fresh lemon juice (from about 9 lemons)
Rum (optional)
Preparation
Combine first 6 ingredients in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil 10 minutes. Remove syrup from heat. Cover and let stand 1 hour.
Strain sugar syrup into large bowl. Stir in apple cider, orange and lemon juices. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Cover and Refrigerate.) Chill punch or warm in heavy large pot over medium heat. Transfer to large bowl. Serve, passing rum separately if desired.
