Hot Toddy (tastes like Russian Tea)

1 48-ounce bottle or 6 cups cranberry juice (i used the Lowes Foods Brand of cranberry juice)3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, reserve peel (i.e. juice from one lemon)1/4 cup sugar 2 cups filtered water 12 strips lemon peel, 1-inch long (from one lemon, avoid the "white")2 cinnamon sticks, broken into 4-inch pieces 1 teaspoon whole cloves 1 teaspoon dried allspice 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg 1/3 cup bourbon 1. In a large saucepan, combine cranberry juice, lemon juice, sugar, and water. 2. In the center of two 6-inch squares of cotton cheesecloth, place lemon peel strips, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg. With cotton string, tie cheesecloths tightly into spice bags. 3. In a medium saucepan, add spice bags and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and discard spice bags (if you don't, the toddy starts to get bitter). Add bourbon (or not). 4. Transfer to heatproof pitcher, or simply ladle beverage directly from saucepan into serving cups. This stuff is awesome and tastes just like the instant russian tea mom used to make!