Mulled wine is great during the cold wintertime; not only does it warm us up, but it’s absolutely delicious and festive as well. This version has a twist — molasses. It is the perfect sweet counterpart to the tart orange zest and red wine.

INGREDIENTS

Serves: 6

½ cup orange zest (from 1 orange)

½ cup orange juice

1 orange for garnish

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

2 green cardamom pods

6 cloves

6 allspice berries

10 black peppercorns

2 cinnamon sticks

¼ cup sugar

¼ cup molasses

1 750 mL bottle dry red wine

½ cup cranberry juice

Method

Take a medium saucepan and set on the stove at medium heat.

2 – Add the orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, cardamom, cloves, allspice, peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, sugar, molasses, wine and cranberry juice.

3 – When the wine begins to simmer, turn the heat to low and stir until the sugar dissolves.Cover, and simmer so the flavor of the spices can come into the wine (about 30 minutes).

4 – Strain with a fine mesh sieve, and discard the spices.

5 – Serve warm in a mug. Garnish each serving with an orange slice. Enjoy!