For midwinter cheer, pull up a mug of something warm and spirited.

Makes 8 servings, about 1/2 cup each

ACTIVE TIME: 5 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine, such as Merlot
1 cup water
1/4 cup sugar, or to taste
3 whole cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
Pinch of ground allspice
2 strips fresh orange peel
2 strips fresh lemon peel

Combine wine, water, sugar, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, orange and lemon peel in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over low heat. Simmer for 20 minutes.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 104 calories; 0 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 9 g carbohydrate; 0 g protein; 0 g fiber; 4 mg sodium; 119 mg potassium.

1/2 Carbohydrate Serving