Serves 8

Mulled wine, known as glühwein in German-speaking countries, and glögg in Scandinavia, is the traditional drink to serve at holiday celebrations. It was a favorite drink in Victorian times and is customarily made with red wine that’s heated and spiced with cinnamon sticks, cloves, sugar, lemon, and oranges (for a bolder flavor, you can add some brandy). This recipe, from the chef at Hayfield Manor, one of Cork City’s most luxurious hotels, suggests using inexpensive wine and “taste, taste, taste to be sure you have the right combination of ingredients.” 

2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
Juice and zest of 1 orange
2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
Juice and zest of 1 orange
1 (750 ml) bottle dry red wine
4 tbsp. honey
2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
Juice and zest of 1 orange

1. Combine all the ingredients, except the orange zest, in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, and then simmer over low heat for ten minutes. Discard the cloves and cinnamon sticks. Pour into heatproof mugs or glasses and garnish with the orange zest.

Mulled Cider

Serves 8 

4 cups apple juice
8 cups medium-sweet cider
lemon, sliced and studded with cloves
cinnamon sticks

1. Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan and simmer over low heat for twenty minutes. Discard the cloves. Pour into heatproof mugs or glasses and serve hot.