What are the best ingredients for a good, Christmassy mulled wine?
Ingredients 2 x 75 cl bottles medium to full-bodied red wine (Bulgarian Cabernet Sauvignon is ideal) 1 orange stuck with cloves 2 oranges, sliced 2 lemons, sliced 6 level tablespoons granulated sugar or honey 2 inch (5 cm) piece cinnamon stick 2 level teaspoons finely grated fresh root ginger or ground ginger 2 tablespoons fruit liqueur such as Cointreau, Grand Marnier or cherry brandy (optional) Put all the ingredients in a saucepan with 2½ pints (1.5 litres) water then heat to simmering point, stirring until all the sugar has dissolved. Keep it barely at simmering point for at least 20 minutes – but do not boil or all the alcohol will evaporate. This can be made in advance, then re-heated just before the party. Serve it warm in half-pint mugs (in which case there will be 12 servings) or else in 24 sturdy wine glasses. This recipe is taken from Delia Smith’s Christmas.
