By Devi Poojari
¼ cup brown sugar 2 cups apple cider 750 ml Madeira or any sweet wine of your choice 1.5 cups brandy 1 orange, sliced 1 apple, sliced 1 lemon, sliced 1 teaspoon allspice powder 2 cinnamon sticks 1 star anise 1 teaspoon nutmeg powder
Pour the wine into a large pot and add the sugar, whole spices, apples, oranges and lemon and simmer slowly for about 60 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid caramelisation of the sugar at the bottom of the pot.
Once the colour of the wine deepens and the alcohol has evaporated, turn off the heat and allow it to reduce in temperature. Pour in the brandy when the wine is still warm and stir well. Serve warm in tall mugs, garnished with a sprig of rosemary or stick of cinnamon.