Remove 6 wide strips zest from 1 lemon with a vegetable peeler. Juice all the lemons to make 3/4 cup juice; refrigerate the juice. Bring 2 cups water, the sugar, lemon zest, cinnamon sticks and cloves to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer 5 minutes. Let cool, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large liquid measuring cup or bowl. Refrigerate until cold, at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.
Combine the spiced syrup, cranberry juice and lemon juice in a large punch bowl. Stir in the liquor, if using, then top with the sparkling apple cider. Add the apples. Serve over ice.
Tools You May Need
Photograph by Ralph Smith
Tools You May Need
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