Witches' Brew
6 whole cloves
2 3-inch cinnamon sticks
2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
1 orange, peel half and reserve remaining peel for garnish
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup sugar
1 (25 1/4-oz) bottle sparkling cider, chilled
1 (32 oz) bottle cranberry cocktail, chilled
1 (1 liter) bottle club soda or seltzer, chilled (flavored orange, if available)
1 cup dark rum (optional)
Hand-shaped ice blocks (see instructions below)
Garnishes
Gummy worms (earthworms)
Licorice rope (veins)
Candy Corn (witches' teeth)
Peeled grapes, frozen (eyeballs)
Combine the cloves, cinnamon sticks, ginger, orange peel, water, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Then simmer, covered for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to steep for an hour. Strain through a fine sieve and chill syrup.
Combine syrup with remaining liquid ingredients (except rum) in a punch bowl. Add ice and serve with orange peel garnish and candy as desired.