Gingerbread Coffee Sipper

All you need:
3 c. water, divided
6 tbsp Folgers™ ground coffee
1/2 c. sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
2 tsp crystallized ginger
1 tsp whole cloves
1/2 c. half-and-half
whipped topping, thawed, optional

All you do:

1. Brew coffee according to package directions using 2-1/2 cups water and ground coffee.
2. Meanwhile, in a small pan, combine remaining 1/2 cup water, sugar, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Bring to a boil; simmer 10 minutes. Stir in half-and-half. Cook until heated through. Remove spices.
3. To serve, divide coffee among four mugs. Stir in half-and-half mixture. Top with whipped topping if desired.