Swedish Glogg
It's not Christmas, but this is a winter warmer guaranteed to take the edge off the chilly Melbourne weather. Traditionally, this is a hot, mulled wine enjoyed in Sweden, at Christmas. Pronounced more or less - "glerg". I learned this one winter in Tokyo, from a Swedish friend. The sugar and spices can be adjusted according to taste.
1 bottle red wine
1 cup port
1 cinnamon stick / 3 cloves / 2 cardamom pods slightly "bruised" / 1 small piece of fresh ginger
1/2 cup sugar
splash of Vodka (optional)
piece of orange peel
To serve: whole almonds, raisins
Pour wine and port into a saucepan and add sugar, stir over low heat until dissolved. Add all spices and orange peel. Heat but do not boil. Leave to cool overnight.
To serve: Remove spices, add vodka and re heat. Do not boil. Serve with almonds and raisins.
Enjoy - guaranteed to warm !