Mulled Cranberry Cider

[Bynw]

Mulled Cranberry Cider

Cider served mulled, which means heated with sugar and spices.
The children enjoyed theirs fresh or "sweet," while the adults drank "hard" or fermented cider.
Makes 12 8-ounce servings.

Ingredients
8 cups (2 quarts) cranberry juice cocktail
3 cups frozen unsweetened red raspberries, thawed and slightly mashed
6 cinnamon sticks, each 3 inches long
1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves
1 vanilla bean, split
4 cups (1 quart) apple cider, at room temperature

Step 1: In a large saucepan, bring the cranberry juice, raspberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and vanilla bean to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Strain through a tea strainer or a sieve lined with 100% cotton cheesecloth into a large heat-proof pitcher. Carefully pour in cider. Stir gently.