A Splash of Mulled Wine

G's face turned just a little green. He tried to manage a smile but wasn't sure what to do. He had tasted mulled wine for the first time. It was warm and spicy, an unlikely combination. Drinking mulled wine for the holidays is a tradition. But, somehow, we've always managed to have a mulled wine mishap.

Mulled wine, or gluhwein, is gently simmered red wine with cinnamon, star anise, and other spices. It smells and tastes like Christmas. On a cold, snowy evening, it is the perfect drink. I first enjoyed it while visiting Christmas markets in Europe. Christmas markets are magical places. It's cold and snowy, and small stalls sell handmade Christmas ornaments and decorations. And there is so much food, crepes, sweet and savory, hot chocolate, pastries, and Christmas cookies. In the evening, with the lights and the crisp December air, it's a magical experience.

This year we've enjoyed the Christmas Market near our home. It is a painstaking recreation of a German Christmas market with crepes, bratwursts, raclette, and not just one but several types of mulled wine. Poet and Flower love looking for the Christmas market princess handing out candy canes. There is a skating rink, and you can enjoy a glass of mulled wine while watching the skaters go by. For just a minute, you can imagine yourself in Europe.

This year the line for mulled wine was long. Poet was looking forward to hot fruit punch served in a Christmas market boot. G and Flower had their cups of hot chocolate covered with red and green sprinkles and a cookie. Slowly Poet and Flower were beginning to get antsy waiting for the drinks. Flower pushed Poet. Poet pushed Flower, and Flower fell into me, my hands full with steaming cups of mulled wine and fruit punch. There was a big splash, the glasses tipped, and Flower was covered with the warm fragrant wine. She was all bundled up, so luckily, her coat took most of it. I stared in disbelief, waiting for her reaction. Flower looked a little startled but didn't cry. She went on enjoying her hot chocolate. She spent the rest of the day smelling like yummy mulled wine.

I may not be able to convince G that mulled wine is delicious. He will be content with his hot chocolate. I have several years, but maybe I can persuade Poet and Flower when they are older.

Mulled Wine

A delicious cocktail for the holidays. Simmer red wine with cinnamon, cloves and star anise to make a delicious winter drink.

Serves 5

• 1 bottle red wine (Merlot or a Cabernet)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 orange
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 star anise
• 2 oranges (for garnish)
• cinnamon sticks (for garnish)

1. Zest one orange and then cut into four quarters.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the red wine, honey, brandy, cinnamon, orange zest and quarters, cloves and star anise.

3. Bring to boil, then turn down to a bare simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

4. Pour into your favorite glass and garnish with orange slices and a cinnamon stick.

No need for a fancy bottle of wine. 

You can make this in a slow cooker as well. Combine all ingredients and then set it on low for 2-3 hours.

In an instant pot, place all ingredients and place on manual high pressure for one minute.