If the Summer has sangria, then Winter claims the mulled wine. It’s a perfect Christmas gift because although cheap, you can still make your friends feel special with a homemade gift. Can easily be made in bulk.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 bottle red wine ($12 and below) with a twist-off cap
• 1 medium orange, lightly grated to release oils
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 6 cloves
• 1-2 pinches of ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch of black pepper
• Liquid funnel
• Fine mesh strainer

1. In a medium pot, combine water and sugar over medium-low heat until dissolved.
2. Add all remaining ingredients into pot and give one good stir.
3. Simmer for 30 minutes over medium-low heat.
4. Turn off heat and cool wine in pot.
5. Once cooled, strain spices and orange from wine. Using the liquid funnel, pour the mulled wine back into the wine bottle and twist it closed with cap.

Experiment with the spices by subbing cardamom for the cinnamon stick. Add more or less sugar according to your taste and the dryness of your wine.