Cranberry-Orange Cider

One of my favorite holiday flavors-cranberries and orange. Love em for muffins, pancakes, waffles, bread loaves! Here's a family friendly flavorful warmer-upper, or with the addition of rum or vodka can be made into an adults only libation. However, don't add the booze, until you're ready to serve this drink.
Ingredients: 4 whole cloves,3 cups cranberry juice cocktail,4 allspice berries 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar,4 star anise pods,1 small orange, sliced into rounds 1 cinnamon stick,5 cups fresh apple cider.
Preparation: Place cloves, allspice, anise pods and the cinnamon stick into a cheesecloth bag and tie closed. Combine cider, cranberry juice, brown sugar, most of the sliced orange and spice bag in a large, non-reactive saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmer partially covered for 10 minutes, remove from heat and allow to cool. Let mixture stand for 30 minutes, remove the orange slices and spice bag. At this point you can add either Rum or Vodka if you so desire. Makes 8 to 10 servings.