Hot Spiced Cider Tea - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cinnamon sticks
5 whole black peppercorns
2 whole cloves
3 whole cardamom pods
2 whole star anise pods
5 coin-size pieces fresh ginger
2 inches strips fresh orange peel
2 inches strips fresh lemon peel
5 cups cold water
4 bags orange-pekoe tea
3 cups apple juice or 3 cups apple cider
1 orange, juice of

Preparation

Lightly crush the cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves, and cardamom pods in a mortar and pestle or on a cutting board with the bottom of a saucepan.
Transfer the spices to a medium saucepan, add the ginger, star anise and citrus peels. Add the water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, partially covered, until aromatic, and the cinnamon stick opens a little, about 10 minutes.
Add the tea bags to the pan and immediately remove from the heat. Set aside to steep for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the tea bags, and add the apple juice and orange juice. Return the pan to a medium heat and warm, taking care not to let the tea boil.
Strain and serve hot.