The Gallivanting Green Girl

Yes, leave it to me to have my first post in months revolve around alcohol! Whatev.

I have a whole week more before I have to seriously consider any New Year’s resolutions…

Besides, it’s such a yummy festive holiday drink – and, forgive me, but this is soooooooo much easier than emailing the recipe to everyone who’s asked for it!

No need to spend a fortune on expensive tins of “mulling spices” or mess around with those annoying cheesecloths – just grab a pot, fill it with the stuff listed below and let it simmer on the stove. Or just throw everything in a crock pot and leave it on low all day (after putting it on high to heat up initially). The longer it sits, the better it tastes.  And it’s also a great way to keep your house smelling delish!!!

So folks, here ya go:

1 bottle of red wine – preferably something fruity and cheap (hey, I heard that!)

1 cup sugar

2-3 cinnamon sticks (NOT peppermint sticks  – and yes, apparently it was necessary to clarify that!)

10 whole cloves

1 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp whole black peppercorns

1/2 tsp whole allspice

1/2 tsp vanilla bean

1 star anise

1 sliced orange

1 sliced lemon

1 cup brandy or cognac

Be sure NOT to let it boil. That will burn off all the alcohol and well, what fun would THAT be??

Serve with in coffee mugs with cinnamon sticks.

Super yummy for holiday parties or just curling up in front of the fire with a good book.

Remember, this isn’t a chemistry project. All measurements are “-ish”. All (well, most) ingredients are substitutable. Be creative. Make it your own. But don’t forget, the most important ingredient is L-O-V-E =)

Happy Holidays Everyone!

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