The winter season is eagerly anticipated all year long, not just for the pleasant weather but also for the numerous celebrations. Christmas is a holiday celebrated by family get-togethers, a lavish meal, and a lot of presents. In addition to the customary meals and desserts prepared on this day, other drink recipes commemorate the happy event. Mulled wine is one such beverage that Christmas gatherings would be lacking without. Since at least the second century, the warm, soul-stirring beverage has been a component of Christmas celebrations. According to folklore, mulled wine was thought to be a nutritious, warm drink that would keep the body healthy during the winter. The mulled wine recipe was first recorded in a British cookbook from the fourteenth century. In addition to French wine, the recipe called for honey, cinnamon, cardamom, and galingale.

Ingredients

1. 2 Oranges

2. 1 lemon, peeled

3. 60 gms castor sugar

4. 5 Whole cloves

5. 1 Cinnamon stick

6. 3 Fresh bay leaves

7. 1 tsp whole vanilla essence

8. 1 Red wine bottle

mulled wine/ pinterest.com

Method

1. Over medium heat, place a large pot with the castor sugar. Using a speed peeler, remove large portions of orange and lemon peel.

2. Bay leaves, a cinnamon stick, and cloves can be added to the castor sugar. Squeeze in the juice after adding the peel pieces. 

3. Add just enough red wine to the vanilla essence to cover the sugar.

4. Add extra wine after letting the mixture boil until the sugar has completely dissolved into the red wine. Wait for the mixture to boil. 

5. Continue to boil vigorously for 4 to 5 minutes, or until you have a gorgeous, thick syrup.

6. Reduce the heat to low after the syrup is ready.

7. Pour it into glasses after it's warm and delectable.