Fruits were popular gifts for the holidays in the olden days, when finding fresh fruit was often difficult, and when citrus fruit was a delightful change to dreary winter eating. Mulled wines are rich with fruits reflecting these gifts.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.
750-ml bottle dry red wine
1 orange, cut into thin wedges
1 lemon, juiced, seeds removed
1/4 cup brandy
6 cloves
1/4 cup honey
2 cinnamon sticks
2 teaspoons ground ginger
Put wine into slow cooker. Add orange wedges, lemon juice, brandy, cloves, honey, cinnamon, and ginger. Cook on Low for 1 to 2 hours. When ready to serve, remove orange wedges and cinnamon sticks. Ladle into mugs.
Variation:
Not a fan of cloves? Omit the cloves, use the juice of a second lemon, and, just before serving, add 1/4 cup ginger liqueur (or 2 teaspoons ground ginger). The ginger liqueur adds an extra umph to the lovely blend. Makes 4 to 6 servings.