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Halloween: Witches' Brew

Source of Recipe


Gourmet magazine



List of Ingredients



• 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
  
• 5 whole cloves
  
• 3 Tbsp finely chopped peeled ginger
  
• 1/3 cup water
  
• 1/3 cup sugar
  
• 1 (25¼-ounce) bottle sparkling cider (about 3¼ cups), chilled
  
• 4 cups cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
  
• One 1-liter bottle club soda or seltzer, chilled
  
• 1 cup dark rum (optional)
  
• Hand-shaped ice block (see note)
  






Instructions



1. Bring cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, water and sugar to a boil in a small heavy saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved; then simmer, covered, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep, uncovered, 1 hour.
   
   
2. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding solids, then chill until cold.
   
   
3. Combine all remaining ingredients, except ice block, with syrup in a punch bowl. Add ice block before serving.
   
   Makes about 3 quarts.
   
   






Final Comments


To make hand-shaped ice:
Fill powder-free, latex-free rubber gloves with water; tie wrist end securely, then freeze.

Syrup can be made 1 week ahead and chilled with spices. Strain before using.