Weihnachtspunsch - Traditional German Christmas Punch

Delicious traditional Christmas Punch of tea, red wine, rum, fresh lemon & orange juice, and spices. Not only for Christmas, but whenever the weather is cold. Serve hot!

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 12-14

Ingredients

• 4  cups  strongly  brewed black tea
• 1 1⁄4 cups sugar, to taste
• 4  lemons, juice of
• 3  oranges, juice of
• 8  cloves
• 1  cinnamon stick
• 2 (750 ml) bottles red wine (choose a full-bodied variety such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, or Merlot)
• 1  cup golden rum
•  fresh lemon and  orange slice, to garnish

Directions

1. In a large pot, combine the sugar and the freshly brewed (still hot) tea. Add the lemon juice, orange juice, cloves, and cinnamon stick; stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the red wine. Heat and stir over medium-low heat until just below the boiling point.
3. Meanwhile, gently heat the rum in a small pot (do not boil). Once hot, add to the larger pot and mix together.
4. Remove cloves and cinnamon stick.
5. Ladle into mugs. Serve hot with a fresh lemon or orange slice.