Lush Mulled wine

About 2 years ago I posted a recipie for mulling spices, but in that post I linked to a recipie for mulled wine in a blog that is no longer functional. (Miss you Lucy!) So, in light of the fact its getting downright chilly in the Lou, I thought it might be time to post it all together.

• 1 bottle of red wine (I like American Zinfandel)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 2 TSP pre-mixed mulling spice, or see recipe below.
• Wrap in cheesecloth and tie with a cotton string:

                    -2 cinnamon sticks

                    -1 small whole nutmeg

                    -1 tsp. whole cloves 

                    -Long orange peel, twisted

Heat wine and sugar over medium to med-high heat until just to simmer, add mulling spice (use cheese cloth or a mulling spice ball). Do a taste test after a couple minutes, when it’s the level of spice you want, take them out. The wine should not come above a simmer...add brandy...return to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Note: boiling = bitter

I like Ravenswood Zinfandel for this-something under $10. Enjoy-and don't forget, Zins have high alc content and with the brandy, this will sneak up on you!