Mull it Over

This mulled wine may just be my new favorite holiday drink. It's flavorful, comforting and so easy to make. Plus, it's your one chance to drink wine out of a mug and still be considered classy.

Mulled Wine
Recipe courtesy of Ina Garten and the Food Network

4 cups apple cider
1 (750-ml) bottle red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon
1/4 cup honey
2 cinnamon sticks
1 orange, zested and juiced
4 whole cloves
3 star anise
4 oranges, peeled, for garnish

Bundle the spices together in a cheesecloth sachet before adding or you can strain the finished wine with a sieve before pouring into mugs. Combine the cider, wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cloves and star anise in a large pot, and simmer over low heat for at least 20 minutes. Add an orange peel or cinnamon stick to each mug and enjoy.