Mulled Wine

Ingredients

• 8 whole cloves
• 4 whole black peppercorns
• 4 (3x½") strips fresh lemon zest
• 4 (4x½") strips fresh orange zest
• 4 cups dry red wine (from two 750-ml bottles)
• ½ cup kirsch or other cherry-flavored brandy
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 (3") cinnamon stick
• 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise
• Garnish: cinnamon sticks, orange wheels (optional)
• Special equipment: a 4" square of cheesecloth; kitchen string

Steps

1. Put cloves, peppercorns, and zest on cheesecloth, then tie closed to form a bag.
2. Combine wine, kirsch, sugar, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, 1½ cups water, and cheesecloth bag in a 4-qt. saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring.
3. Simmer 10 minutes. Serve warm, garnished with cinnamon sticks and orange wheels if using. Editor’s note: This recipe was originally printed in the December 2004 issue of ’Gourmet.’ Head this way for more of our favorite festive winter cocktails →