Glentwein

Mulled wine is an aromatic alcoholic beverage made with red wine, sweetener (sugar or honey), and a mix of spices. Grog, punch, and glentwein are all types of mulled wine. They are usually served in winter and come from mountain regions of Germany and Scandinavia. The main ingredient of glentwein is red wine. Since spices and sweeteners are added to the mix you do not have to splurge on the expensive bottle. For a vegan version of glentwein substitute honey with brown sugar or agave nectar and make sure to get a vegan bottle of red.

BARNIVORE (www.barnivore.com) is a great directory of veg*n alcoholic beverages.  It was recently featured in the PassiFlora blog.

1 (750ml) bottle of red wine
2 cinnamon sticks. More for serving
½ vanilla bean (optional) could be substituted with ¼ tsp of vanilla extract
7-10 cloves
3 cardamom seeds, crushed
½ star of anise
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2-3 tablespoon honey (or vegan sugar, or agave nectar)
1 orange, sliced
zest of ½ orange
½ cup water

1 small saucepan with a lid and 1 bigger one.

• In a small saucepan combine all the ingredients besides wine and heat slowly until boiling. Cover and let simmer for 5 minutes.
• In a bigger saucepan combine wine and the spice mix. Warm it up on low heat. Do not let Glentwein boil!!!
• Serve in thick-walled glasses with cinnamon sticks.