Recipe: Mulled Wine

Cold winter nights call for cozying up next to the fireplace with a beverage to warm up the hands. What better drink than the Mulled Wine. This spiced wine is a Christmas favourite and a must-have drink at Christmas markets all over Europe. It is a fruity concoction of red wine with various spices such as cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Here's a simple recipe for you and your family to enjoy.

Serves 8 Ingredients: 3 bottles of apple cider 1 bottle of red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot ¼ cup honey or 2 tablespoons sugar 2 oranges 2 cinnamon sticks 4 whole cloves 3 star anise Optional Additional Spices (in small quantities) Nutmeg Vanilla Ginger or allspice Preparation: Zest the skin of one orange using a grater or peeler. Slice the remainder of the orange into thick slices. Keep the other orange for garnish. Pour the 3 bottles of cider and a full bottle of wine into a clean pot on the stove. Add the orange zest, orange slices, honey or sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise and optionally a sprinkle of other spices. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Ladel or pour into mugs or thick glasses to serve.