Mulled Wine - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 (750 ml) bottle red wine (a cheap cabernet sauvignon)
2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons mulling spices
2 oranges
1/4 cup apricot brandy

Preparation

Wash and slice oranges thinly.
Combine water, sugar, spices, and oranges in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer 20-30 minutes.
Reduce heat, add wine, and reheat. Do not boil.
Strain oranges and spices.
Add brandy just before serving.
Serve warm with cinnamon sticks.
Make ahead directions: Combine water, sugar, spices, oranges, and wine in a large saucepan. Stir well and refrigerate several hours. Use low heat to warm. Strain and add brandy before serving.
Alternatives to straining: Use a strainer insert for your saucepan to hold and lift out spices and oranges, or use cheesecloth to hold oranges and spices during mulling.