Sleepy Hollow Cider

From Sunset Magazine. Note the time if you are going to add the Pumpkin vodka.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 12-16

Ingredients

• 2 (64 ounce) bottles apple cider or 2 (64 ounce) bottles  apple juice
• 2 (3 inch)  cinnamon sticks
• 3⁄4 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1⁄2 whole nutmeg

• Pumpkin Spice-Infused Vodka

• 1  vanilla bean
• 12  pieces  pumpkin rind
• 1⁄2 whole nutmeg
• 750  ml vodka

Directions

1. In a 5- to 6-quart pan, combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg. Cook, covered, over medium-high heat until steaming, about 14 minutes.
2. Reduce heat to low to keep hot. Set pan on a tabletop burner or warming tray.
3. Or pour into a thermos or insulated pitcher. Ladle or pour into cups and add vodka to taste (if desired).
4. Pumpkin Spice-infused Vodka: Cut 1 vanilla bean (6 in.) in half lengthwise.
5. With a vegetable peeler, shave 12 thin ribbons (4 to 6 inches long and about 1 inches wide) off a rinsed piece of pumpkin or banana squash.
6. Pumpkin Spice Vodka:
7. In a 1- to 1 1/2-quart jar, combine vanilla, pumpkin, 1/2 of a whole nutmeg, and 1 bottle (750 ml. or 1 qt.) vodka.
8. Seal jar and let stand at least 4 days or up to 3 months.
9. The flavor intensifies the longer it stands; remove flavorings once vodka tastes as strong as you like.