Spiced Mulled "Wine"

The fireplace is on, fuzzy socks are adorned, a good book is waiting on the coffee table, and a hot drink is simmering on the stove. What could be better, right? Okay, okay, maybe a personal chef making that hot drink for you, but I digress...
bar tools that will come in handy for this drink:
Strainer
drink Ingredients:
1 cup apple cider
¾ cup cranberry juice
2 cinnamon sticks
2 orange slices
1 teaspoon whole cloves
3 star anise pods
instructions:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine all ingredients and simmer until warm and spices have flavored the juice, about 15 minutes.
Strain the mulled “wine” into 2 mugs, reserving the spices and oranges for another use. Serve and enjoy!
Optional: Garnish with an orange slice around the rim and a fresh cinnamon stick.
-Marnie Rae