Spiced Mulled Cider

Yield: 12 cups

Ingredients:
4 cups brewed chai or black tea *
8 cups unfiltered apple juice
3/4 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice with pulp (approx 2 large)
10 cloves
3 cinnamon sticks
10 whole black peppercorns
6 whole cardamom pods
2 tsp orange zest
1 vanilla pod, split

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and simmer for 1 hour. Strain through a chinois or a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. Return to a clean pot or crock pot, and warm over low-heat until service.

* I have used English Breakfast or Chai Tea, but any black tea will do. If you prefer decaffeinated, try orange or apple flavored herbal teas. When I brew, I use 4 tea bags for 4 cups of water. I steep for 5 minutes.