With the crackling of the fireplace or the knocking of the radiators you know the winter is upon us. In with the winter cool air also comes the beginning of the holiday season, with gatherings of good friends and family. I have always liked the holidays and this time of year, it makes one remember who means the most to you and what trivial things you can just let go of.

The perfect holiday night is one with snow, a roaring fire, a full house of people Susan and I know and love, lots of laughter, a joke or two and spirits a flowing. We always like to plan our parties with a signature drink, sometimes for the functional reason to keep it simple. This year I think it should be a mulled wine.

The warm sweet smell of chianti with hints of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus is like the holidays in a glass. This will get you in the holiday spirit and also warm your soul. There isn’t anything so decedent yet so simple to make as mulled wine. The great thing is that you can make it earlier in the day and just let it warm on the stove and it will fill your house with it’s intoxicating smells.

We hope you all have a warm and happy holiday season! Cheers.

Mulled Wine Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 large orange peeled and juiced
• 1 lemon, peel only
• 1 lime, peel only
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 whole cloves
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 3 bay leaves, dried
• 1 vanilla pod, halved lengthways
• 3 star anise
• 2 bottles Chianti wine
• Extra oranges for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot add all the ingredients reserving one orange for garnish.
2. Bring the pot to a low boil for 2-3 minutes until the sugar is dissolved. Lower the heat to the lowest your stove will go (ours is a warm setting) and let warm/simmer until you are ready to serve.
3. Garnish with orange peels.