Ohio Shaker's Spiced Grape Juice
This recipe comes from a nearly defunct religious sect here in the United
States known as the Shakers. This celibate religious group ate communally,
but with men one side of the room and women on the other. Shakers are famed
for their quality furniture, their stewardship, and their excellent cooking.
This drink was common at their tables.
2 quarts grape juice (unsweetened)
1/2 cup sugar
12 whole cloves
4 sticks cinnamon
2 tablespoons whole allspice
Combine all of the ingredients and heat over a very, very low flame. DO NOT
BOIL. Let the juice sit on the flame, stirring occassionally, until it is
hot. The longer the drink is on the flame the more the spices have a chance
to combine with the juice (I let mine sit for about 3 hours). Strain the
spices out of the juice. You may serve it hot, or serve it cold. A slice
of lemon goes great with it. Served cold it is a great summer drink!
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