Witches' Brew

Witches' Brew 2 cinnamon sticks 5 cloves whole 3 tbsp finely chopped ginger 1/3 cup water 1/3 cup sugar 3 cup sparkling cider chilled 4 cups cranberry juice chilled 4 cups club soda chilled 1 cup dark rum optional 2 cups ice In a small heavy saucepan add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, water, sugar and bring to a boil. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves, then simmer, covered, for 5 minutes. Remo the saucepan from heat and let it steep, uncovered for 1 hour. Strain the simple syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a punch bowl, discarding all the solids. Chill in the fridge until cold. Add the rest of the ingredients except the ice, to the punch bowl and stir. Add the ice before serving.