A Little Christmas Cheer (or New Year's Cheer)

Here's my own version of the classic recipe:

Mulled Wine

3 cups water
1 bottle inexpensive wine (750ml)
1/2 lemon peel
1/2 orange peel
a squeeze of juice from the orange
1 cup sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
10 whole cloves
1/3 cup brandy

Simmer lemon peel, orange peel, squeeze of orange juice, sugar, cinnamon stick, and cloves in the water for 10 minutes. (For best results trim as much of the white part of the peel off and squeeze the peels before adding to the water to release the oils.)

Add wine and reheat to coffee temperature. (Do not boil!)

Remove from heat and add brandy.

Let sit for 10 minutes and serve hot.