Last December, we were snowed in for three days - the best three days ever - I might add. During that time, we perfected our mulled wine (or Glogg) method. Mulled wine is something we make from what we have available so it may vary slightly from batch to batch.
The essential ingredients for mulled wine include: Wine, Bbandy, sugar, orange, and mulling spices.
Last night we used Chewing the Cud's mulling spices (from my October OliveBox), which made a great drink without much hassle at all. You may already have the spices you need around your kitchen though. 2 Cinnamon sticks, 2 star of anise, and 8 cloves are all you really have to have. Ginger is sometimes added, but we never seem to have any. For that extra bite ginger would add, I have sometimes substituted all spice in its place. A sweeter red wine will work best, but when you are snowed in you use whatever you have - and can always add more sugar as you cook!
Once you get your ingredients together, place 1/4 cup of sugar (to one bottle of wine) in the bottom of a sauce pan adding just enough wine to cover. Heat liquid, stiring until it begins to thicken. Add your spices and let simmer 3-4 minutes before adding the remaing wine and then 1/4 cup brandy. Bring the liquid back to a simmer until aromatic, about 15 minutes, tasting and adjusting the sweetness as you go. Strain and serve in your favorite mug. Enjoy!