Hot Spiced Wine for the Holidays

This is a wonderful warm drink for those cold winter nights during the Holidays. A delicious libation- it fills the home with glorious seasonal fragrances.

Yield: Serves a party of 12
Ingredients: 2 Oranges: 2 Bottles Occasio Merlot: 1 Bottle Occasio Malvasia Bianca: 1 (3 inch piece) Fresh Ginger: 3 Cinnamon Sticks: 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves: 1/3 C Brown Sugar: 1/4 C Brandy (optional):

Directions:
Remove the zest from the oranges (I use a vegetable peeler), then juice the oranges into a large heavy-bottomed pot. Pour in the wines, and place the orange zest, ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and brown sugar into the pot with the wine mixture. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Cover and heat to a low simmer, then reduce heat and cook for an hour to bring all the flavors together. Adjust sweetness to taste.

Strain and serve with a splash of brandy, if desired.