Mulled Wine

Weather is getting cool here. Already thinking about Advent and Nativity. I'll be posting some recipes as we get closser to the days. Here's a good recipe for Advent.

Nov 15-Dec 24 is a fast in the Orthodox Church. It is called by various names but the one I like is Advent. In general, during a fast no meat, poultry,fish dairy, oil, or wine is eaten, except on Sundays when wine and oil is blessed, and Major Feast days when fish might be on the calendar. But the days leading up to the Nativity of Jesus are such a joyous fast that wine is blessed for many many days during Advent. Thus, this recipe.


Mulled Wine (Serves 2)

1/2 of a 750ml bottle of full-bodied red wine. Most California Merlots and Cabernets seem to work. Sangiovese, not so much. Also, as much as I like Gallo Burgundy, it doesn't really work in this recipe.

Zest of 1 orange
1 cinnamon stick crumbled by hand
2 tsp whole allspice
1/2 tsp whole cloves

Put above ingredients in a pan over medium heat and bring to boil. Reduce heat . Stir in 2 table spoons granulated sugar. Simmer 5 minutes. Add two table spoons brandy (Paul Mason is no good. Stick to Christian Bros.) Strain. Pour into mugs.