Warm Up with Wine

Mulled wine is a wonderful accompaniment to cozy nights by the fireplace.
On a cold day, there is no cocktail quite like mulled red wine by the fire. Just a few sips of this blend of wine, citrus, brandy and honey, and you’ll be warmed to the bones. This cocktail is perfect anytime, but it is one of my family’s favorites when we go to the mountains.
My family owns a cabin deep in the mountains of North Carolina. It’s been in my family for about 100 years and is quite rustic with no heat or air. My parents made trips up there before I was born, and my grandparents made trips up there before my parents were born.
Upon arrival we must sweep away cobwebs and knock off the dust. We typically take sleeping bags because the beds are not in the best shape, and nobody wants to pull the sheets out of the drawers. The temperatures can drop in the 20s at night, but we stay warm by the big rock fireplace that we take turns tending throughout the day and night.
It is tradition to make mulled red wine every time we go to the cabin. It is a simple but tasty cocktail that is best sipped slowly while wearing fuzzy socks and sweatpants and wrapped in a fluffy blanket.
I make it the same way my family has made it for years, and I hope your family enjoys it just as much as mine.
Cheers!

Servings |
people
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- 4 oz. red wine preferable a red blend
- 3 oz. orange juice
- 1 oz. lemon juice
- 2 1/2 oz. brandy
- 2 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- cinnamon sticks and lemon wedges to garnish
Ingredients
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- Add all the ingredients to a small saucepan on the stove over low heat for about 5 minutes.
- Stir and serve warm in a mug garnished with cinnamon sticks and lemon wedges.