Its just takes one sip to become a fan of this hot spiced wine..tastes like elixir on a freezing wintery night.

For each 750 ml (3 cups) of wine:

• 1 stick cinnamon
• 6 whole cloves
• Rind of half a lemon
• 2 to 4 Tbs. sugar
• Cardamon pod (optional)
• Rum, brandy, vodka or schnapps (optional)

Use cheap wine. Not that cheap, but still cheap, Carlo Rossi or Livingstone will do fine, but will need more sugar. The amount of sugar is inversely proportional to the cheapness of the wine.

Break cinnamon sticks into three or four pieces. Remove rind from lemon in large pieces or one long piece,

In saucepot over medium-low heat, combine wine, spices and 2 Tbs. sugar. Heat 1/2 to 1 hour, but do not allow to boil. Longer heating brings out a warmer, more cinnamon flavor. Taste and adjust sugar. Serve, adding a shot of rum or schnapps if desired. If you do add schnapps, be careful not to inhale while drinking the Wein; you’ll choke on the alchohol fumes (I learned this the hard way).

Remove spices and rind; reduce heat to low and cover if not all Wein is served.

Warning: Too much could get you high! 😉 … but it definitely is a sweet ass drink. Tip: If you’re lazy to go through the above its available at your nearest Christmas market (Weihnachtsmarkt)