Winter cocktails have never been so hot!

Nothing quite warms you up during the wintertime like a nice warm drink.  Add some booze to the mix and you’re really in for a good time.

If you’ve tried mulled wine before, check out glogg, it’s the Swedish cousin of the popular winter beverage.  Warm wine, fruit and spirits … that’s definitely something we can drink to.  Cheers!

Serves 4 to 5

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 (750 ml) bottle of sweet red wine (shiraz, merlot, chanti or port)
• 3/4 cup brandy
• 3/4 cup vodka
• 2 cups fresh squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 3/4 cup raisins
• 8 whole cloves
• 3 cinnamon sticks, broken in half
• 1/2 inch fresh ginger
• 5 whole cardamom pods

Instructions:

1. Place orange juice, almonds and raisins into a large pan (like a dutch oven).
2. Place cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom in cheesecloth and add them to the mixture.
3. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and allow it to simmer for 45 minutes.
4. After 45 minutes, remove the spice bag and add the wine to the pan.
5. Increase the heat until the mixture begins to simmer. Make sure it DOES NOT come to a boil.
6. Add the brandy and vodka.
7. Light a match and ignite mixture (using caution throw the lit match into the brew, quickly step back while you wait for flames to die down). Then  cover the pan with a lid to extinguish the flame.
8. After a few minutes, remove match from mixture. Serve warm.

Finally, drink responsibly!  While teacups of spiced wine may sound innocent, remind your guests of the additional alcohol and to pace themselves.

Bottoms up!

Images via Flickr user Loua.

Tags: cocktail recipes, cocktails, diy recipe, Holiday Drinks, Recipes, Seasonal Recipe, wine, Winter