8 cups water 2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 14 small lemons) 2 cups honey 5 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger 1 (3-inch) piece peeled fresh ginger, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices 3/4 cup golden rum 3/4 cup brandy Lemon rind strips (optional)

1. Place first 5 ingredients in a 4 1/2-quart electric slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours. Remove and discard ginger slices.

2. Stir in rum and brandy. Turn slow cooker to LOW.

3. Ladle mixture into mugs, and garnish with lemon rind strips, if desired.