Warm Mulled Cranberry Punch

By ldelmas

Preparation

Step 1

Pour the cranberry juice into a large stockpot; set aside. Lay the cheesecloth on a flat surface and place the cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, cloves, zest of the oranges and lemons, dried cranberries, and the vanilla bean with its scrapings in the center. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth together and tie with twine. Place the sack in the pot of cranberry juice. Bring the juice to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat enough to maintain a slow simmer. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Keep simmering for 15–30 minutes, depending on the desired level of spice. To add even more spice flavor, refrigerate the juice (when cool) overnight with the spice sack. Before serving, remove the sack and squeeze out the excess liquid. Warm the punch and pour it into mugs or wine glasses. Garnish each glass with an orange or lemon slice, if desired.