1 fresh lemon, halved
1 fresh orange, halved
3 three inch cinnamon sticks
6 bay leaves
1/4-1/2 cup whole cloves
2 quarts water

Slice the lemon and orange halves. Place in saucepan (I suggest using one that you won’t be using for other things) along with cinnamon sticks, bay leaves and cloves. Pour in the 2 quarts of water, and bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer all day, adding water as needed. This mixture will last for days if you refrigerate it between uses. Just add more water and reheat.

This is also a wonderful, inexpensive hostess gift. Put the lemon, orange, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and cloves in the middle of a square sheet of clear or holiday-themed cellophane paper. Gather the paper into a pretty bunch, and tie with raffia or ribbon. Add a tag with instructions for use. You may as well include the recipe too, because they’ll want it!