Spiced Pomegranate-Apple Cider

1 quart plus 2 cups apple cider
6 cloves
1 stick cinnamon, about 3 inch long
1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
1 1/2 cups rum (optional)

Heat apple cider, cloves, and cinnamon until juice just reaches a simmer; remove from heat. Let steep, covered, one hour. Stir in pomegranate juice. For each serving, heat 3/4 cup juice mixture (Do not boil.); stir in 3 tablespoons rum.

NOTE: One medium pomegranate (about 9 ounces) yields 1/2 cup juice. Make ice cubes with some whole pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.

Courtesy: Pomegranate Council

This recipe serves 8 people. Due to the nature of this recipe, it adjusts the number of servings in multiples of 8 only.