Weihnachtspunsch - Traditional German Christmas Punch - cooking recipe

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

Preparation

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.
Add the red wine. Heat and stir over medium-low heat until just below the boiling point.
Meanwhile, gently heat the rum in a small pot (do not boil). Once hot, add to the larger pot and mix together.
Remove cloves and cinnamon stick.
Ladle into mugs. Serve hot with a fresh lemon or orange slice.