Thanks to Mastronardi Estate Winery for a great recipe that will help keep you warm during these cold nights.  It is also great for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

  • One bottle of Mastronardi’s Zweigelt/Baco 2003
  • One peeled and sliced orange (keep peel to add zest to taste into cooking pot)
  • 1/4 cup Brandy
  • 8-10 cloves
  • 2/3 cup honey or sugar
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 2tsp of allspice or 1tsp of fresh grated ginger

Combine all ingredients into a large potor slow cooker. TIP: Combine all spices and orange peel in a cheesecloth, tie it tightly and put it in the pot. No straining required before serving. Remove the cheesecloth bundle once the wine is warm enough to serve.

Slowly warm the wine on low to medium heat for 25 minutes. Do not boil. Stir occaisionally to ensure all the sugar or honey has dissolved. Serve in mugs while the wine is steaming.