HOT SPICE TEA

This hot tea is perfect to keep everyone warm on a chilly game day. Feel free to spike it with whiskey, and save the recipe for the holidays, as it makes the perfect Christmas tea.

5 quarts of water, divided

6 tea bags (I like using a cinnamon spice or chai)

1 cup sugar

2 cinnamon sticks

2 tablespoons mulling spices

Juice of 3 lemons

1 cup pineapple juice

1 cup orange juice

Makes 1½ gallons

1. Bring 1 quart of the water to a boil.

2. Turn off the heat, add in the tea bags, cover, and let steep per package requirements (about 3 to 5 minutes). Remove the tea bags, and add the remaining 4 quarts of water.

3. Turn the heat to high, and add the sugar, cinnamon sticks, and mulling spices. Bring to a boil for about 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the spices begin to become fragrant.

4. Reduce to a simmer, and remove the spices with a handheld fine-mesh strainer.

5. Add the lemon juice, pineapple juice, and orange juice, stirring until combined.

6. Remove from heat and serve immediately, or cool completely and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

MAKE IT AHEAD: This tea is actually better made ahead of time, as the flavors further meld in the refrigerator. Make it up to a week in advance, and serve it warm from a thermos or percolator.