Let’s celebrate with our American neighbours this Thanksgiving! It feels like the right time of year for some mulled wine.

Take 2 bottles of your favourite homebrewed wine (or your least favourite!) and pour them into a large saucepan over medium heat. Here is a list of ingredients that you might want to add. Pick and choose whatever appeals to you. For herbs/spices, fresh/freshly ground is always better. Measurements (in parentheses) are suggestions. Add more or less to your preference. Please keep in mind that THE FOLLOWING IS NOT A RECIPE but a guideline. If you added everything from the list, the flavour would likely be overwhelming:

• Sliced orange OR Tangerine OR Clementine (2)
• Brown OR White sugar OR Honey (1/4 cup)
• Brandy OR Whisky OR Orange liqueur (4oz)

Then try 5 to 10 items from the following list

• Lemon OR Lime OR Orange zest (1 or 2)
• Cranberry OR Orange juice (1cup)
• Allspice berries (6)
• Bay leaves (3)
• Cardamom pods (3)
• Cinnamon sticks (3)
• Cloves, whole (10)
• Ginger (2 tsp)
• Nutmeg (1/2 tsp)
• Peppercorns, whole (3)
• Rosemary, fresh (2 sprigs)
• Star anise, whole (2)
• Vanilla pod, halved (1)

Simmer for at least 30 minutes. Strain before serving. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an orange slice with cloves poked into it… or not.

What mulled wine recipes have you enjoyed? What else could go on the list? Why stop at wine. Try mulled cider!