Wendy's Kitchen Table

INGREDIENTS
2 x bottles medium to full-bodied red wine (Bulgarian Cab Sav is ideal)
1.5 litres water
1 orange stuck with cloves
2 oranges sliced
2 lemons sliced (or less)
2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger or ground ginger
2 cinnamon sticks
6 tablespoons granulated sugar or honey (I do a mix of both – about 4 sugar & 2 honey)

Optional extras: (I usually add these)
1 whole nutmeg or a shake of ground nutmeg.
2 tablespoons of Brandy, Grand Marnier or Cointreau

METHOD
Put all the ingredients in a saucepan with the water then heat to simmering point, stirring until all the sugar has dissolved. Keep it barely at simmering point for at least 20 minutes – but do not boil or all the alcohol will evaporate. This can be made in advance, then re-heated just before the party. Serve it warm in mugs or sturdy wine glasses.

Compulsory taste testing required …and add extra to taste…maybe more honey and slightly more orange as it can tend to be sour with 2 lemons.