Around Christmastime, local holiday markets in the main squares and public houses in nearly every European town offer glühwein (hot mulled wine) as a delicious antidote to the season’s chill. To warm up on a stormy evening or put yourself in a celebratory mood, make your own at home. It is an easy, delightful way to share the holiday with friends.

Ingredients

3 (750 ml) bottles dry red wine (zinfandel, pinot or Burgundy)
1 C (192 g) sugar
12 whole cloves
2 pinches allspice
2 pinches mace
1 pt (473 ml) brandy
1 qt (946 ml) dry white wine
1 med orange, cut into wedges
1 med lemon, cut into wedges

Garnish

2 med oranges, sliced
12 cinnamon sticks

Directions

Pour red wine into a 3-gal pot (or larger) and heat gently; add sugar and spices, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add remaining ingredients and steep for 1 hour over low heat. To serve, remove fruit wedges and strain out cloves, garnishing with orange slices and a cinnamon stick.

Prep time: 2 minutes.
Cook time: 1 hour.
Makes 12 servings.