Claret Cup With Lemon And Cloves

Ingredients

• 2 quarts claret
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 5 lemons, sliced and seeded
• 12 whole cloves
• 2 quarts chilled sparkling water or soda water
• ¼ cup brandy, sherry, or maraschino
• Ice

Method

1. 1 Combine sugar and water in a saucepan; boil for 6 minutes to create a simple syrup.
2. 2 Remove from heat and let cool completely.
3. 3 Add lemon slices (seeds removed) and cloves to the syrup; refrigerate for several hours.
4. 4 Strain the syrup to remove lemon and cloves.
5. 5 In a large pitcher, combine the chilled syrup, claret, sparkling water, and liqueur.
6. 6 Serve over ice.