'Crusmas' wine (mulled wine)

MAKES 8 SERVINGS

1 (750 ml) bottle red wine, such as Malbec

3 cloves

1 cardamom pod

3 cinnamon sticks

2 allspice

1 slice of orange

3 tablespoons of sugar

3 ounces brandy

Mix the wine, spices, orange slice and sugar in a large pot and bring to a light simmer for about 15 minutes. Do not boil. Remove from the heat and let cool. Strain through a fine sieve, add brandy and pour into a bottle.

Tie a few cinnamon sticks to the bottle with the instructions: "Keep refrigerated. To serve, reheat to steaming in a saucepan or slow cooker. Do not boil or microwave. Serve garnished with a cinnamon stick."

Fernando Beteta,

NoMI sommelier