Cold Weather Treat

This is a steeped winter sipper, not a boozy one. The rum here comes from a splash of rum flavoring, so it stays alcohol-free and friendly for the whole table. Studding a whole orange with cloves and dropping it in rind and all is what gives the drink its deep citrus-and-spice backbone.

A broken cinnamon stick steeps right alongside the tea leaves, so the spice infuses through the brew instead of sitting on top. Five minutes covered is plenty; steep much longer and the tea turns bitter.

Strain it well, then stir in tart cranberry juice and a little sugar to balance the edge. Pour it steaming into mugs when you come in from the cold.

Chef Tips

• Squeeze the clove-studded orange lightly against the side of the pot to release its oils before steeping.
• Use a tea you actually like; black tea stands up best to the spices, while rooibos keeps it caffeine-free.
• Steep no longer than 5 minutes to avoid bitterness, then strain promptly so it does not over-brew while it sits.
• Make a big batch and hold it warm in a slow cooker for a holiday crowd.

Variations

• Swap the rum flavoring for a real splash of dark rum or bourbon for the grown-ups.
• Use orange juice or apple cider in place of some of the cranberry for a sweeter, mellower cup.