Cold nights calls for hot drinks!

Time to replace the summery cocktails with warm wintery drinks.

This basic mulled wine recipe can be jazzed up with any variety of additions: garden herbs, apple cider or other spirits like brandy or cointreau.

Ingredients:

10 cloves

2 cinnamon sticks

1/4 cup caster sugar

1 roughly grated nutmeg

2 cups of water

Grated rind of 1 orange

750ml fruit red wine

Method:

Heat all ingredients except the red wine, in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a summer for 10 minutes.

Add red wine and simmer for a further 5 minutes.

Strain and serve.

For additional flavours add fresh herbs, brandy, apple cider or cointreau in the last 5 minute simmer.