Glühwein

Ingredients:
1 bottle of Merlot (750mL)
1 cup Brandy
1/2 – 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (inversely to wine quality)
1 medium sized Orange, sliced horizontally
2 Cinnamon Sticks
6-8 whole Cloves
2 Allspice Pods
1 Cardamom Pod

Use similar proportions for each additional bottle of wine.

Directions:

• In a large Saucepan, heat the Wine, Brandy, and Sugar on low-medium heat until Sugar is disolved. Never allow to boil.
• Add the Orange, and Spices, and let steep on low heat for 1 hour.
• Serve Warm.

Serves 6

NOTES: Glühwein is a German Mulled Wine. If you do not have Merlot, you can use a Burgundy or Franconian red wine–what you’re looking for a is a wine that will hold up to the sugar and brandy and not loose flavor. With regards to the quality of wine, I would not use the expensive stuff because with all the flavors, you’re not just tasting wine–conversely do not use the cheapest wine either. If you have a crock pot, you can add all the ingredients and let it slow cook to perfection.

The big thing to think about is how sweet or spicy you want your wine to be–the amounts above are just suggestions.

Variations:
English Mulled Wine
Glögi (Finnish Mulled Wine)
Glögg/Gløgg (Swedish/Danish Mulled Wine)