Heat Things Up

Purists do pretty much nothing to wine other than uncork, pour and sip. Even when the weather feels a too cold for wine, there are some who'd rather warm up with some Scotch than put their wine in a saucepan on the stove.

But when the weather nears freezing temperatures, we're more than happy to heat and spice up our wine. After all, making mulled wine is a wintertime tradition that spans several European countries and hundreds of years. So it can't be all bad.

With that, here's a recipe for mulled wine we found that's very enjoyable on a winter night:

Ingredients (one serving):
• 4 oz. red wine
• 1 oz. port
• 1 oz. water
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 1 pinch freshly ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch freshly ground cinnamon
• 1 clove

Instructions:
For the red wine, use a robust Cabernet, Merlot or Syrah that you know and trust–but not an overly expensive one. For the port, go for a basic, affordable choice such as Sandeman's Founders Reserve ($15). (Some people also like to use brandy instead of port, and use brown sugar instead of regular sugar.)

Heat all the ingredients in a small saucepan on the stove–but not to the point of boiling. Once the mixture is hot, strain all the ingredients into a mug or coffee cup.

Have a recipe of your own that you like? Share it with us below.