It is the time of year when we are looking for warmth and comfort again. There is nothing like the smell and comfort of some mulled wine for a party or even for a football event! Here is a great recipe for glühwein – yes…we have tested it extensively 😉

Yield : 16 drinks | Active Time : 20 mins | Total Time : 45 mins

Ingredients
2 medium lemons
2 medium oranges
10 whole cloves
5 cardamom pods
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups water
2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
2 (750-milliliter) bottles dry red wine
1/2 cup brandy
Cheesecloth
Butcher’s twine

Instructions

1. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from the lemons and oranges in wide strips, avoiding the white pith; place the zest in a large saucepan. Juice the lemons and oranges and add the juice to the pan.
2. Place the cloves and cardamom in a small piece of cheesecloth, tie it tightly with butcher’s twine, and add the bundle to the saucepan.
3. Add the sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks, place the pan over high heat, and bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is reduced by about one-third, about 20 minutes.
4. Add the red wine and brandy, stir to combine, and bring just to a simmer (don’t let it boil). Remove from the heat and remove and discard the spice bundle before serving.