Crush the cloves and peppercorns for optimal freshness. Optional - dry roast in a pan to release even more flavour before crushing them.
Add the tea bags, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and boiling water.
Cover and steep 5-8 minutes (depending on tea, but start with 6).
Meanwhile, warm the milk/cream in a saucepan. Here's where the optional vanilla comes in - 2" of split vanilla bean, or 1/2 tsp of extract.
Add the warm milk to the tea.
Strain and pour into 4 cups.