RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place the apple cider in a large kettle or pot. 
2. Tie together in a cheesecloth bag the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cardamom pods, and add this to the cider. 
3. Simmer the cider for 30 minutes to 3 hours (longer is better). 
4. Skim the cider if necessary. 
5. At serving time, return the cider to a simmer, and stir in the applejack. Again, bring the cider to a simmer. 
6.  Serve the drinks in mugs – heated, if possible, and garnish with lemon or orange slices if desired. 

If you cannot find applejack, you can substitute apple brandy, but applejack is so much better!