spiced hot wine

The other weekend we hit up the County Line Apple Orchard and after surviving light snow flurries (yes this did happen), the only remedy for the cold weather was a nice warm drink.  Don't get me wrong, I sipped on hot apple cider while we were there, but when we got home it was time for a nice warm adult bevvie.  Insert the spiced hot wine.

When the weather turns, my go to is usually a nice Hot Toddy, but I'll be honest sometimes sipping down one of those suckers on a weeknight can knock me on my donkey.  So, I opted for a less extreme drink that was a perfect after dinner drink.

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 large orange (peels and juice)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 bottle of red wine (I like to use a more full body wine like merlot)
• 4 cloves (I like to put them in a tea ball infuser so you don't have to dig them out before you serve)
• 1/3 cup of honey
• Skin from one apple (3 - 4 large pieces will work)

Directions:

• In a small pot, add all ingredients. 
• On the stove, heat on a low temperature and let simmer for 20 minutes. 
• Be sure to avoid letting it boil or else it will kill the alcohol..and let's be honest then there's not point in drinking it.
• Ladle into mugs and garnish with cinnamon sticks.
• Enjoy!