Caramel Apple Cider

1 gallon apple cider
3-4 cinnamon sticks (about 4 inches long)
6-8 whole cloves
1 tsp fresh grated ginger (or half tsp ground ginger)
1 cup of rum (optional)
1½ cups caramel sauce
Whipped cream (optional)

In a large pot over medium heat, place the cloves and cinnamon sticks together and heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Then pour in the cider, ginger, and rum (if using) into the pot, mixing with a whisk to combine. Let heat until simmering. When ready to serve the cider, heat the caramel sauce in a glass measuring container. Drizzle about a tablespoon of the sauce down the insides of each serving mug or glass, coating the sides, then pour in the cider, straining out the solids. Top with whipped cream, if using, and drizzle with additional caramel sauce.

Nutritional info: 249 calories, 2.6 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 73 mg sodium, 1 mg potassium, 56 g carbohydrates, 17 g sugar, 1 g protein.