Well, not specifically a cocktail but something to keep you warm (and wasted) on a cold winter's night.

When I was in London most of the off-licenses would sell little packets of cloves and herbs etc to pour into your warmed wine around Christmas time. This was quite the novelty for me (pour glass of wine, pop in the microwave for 30 seconds, empty sachet into wine, ta da!) but it wasn't until I went to Germany and had home-made Glühwein did I properly understand the magical, medicinal effect of this lovely drink.

I have heard tell of a recipe that includes absinthe but I think this elixir is strong enough without summoning green fairies. It's strong! You have been warned....

Ingredients
• 16 cups dry red wine (zinfandel, merlot, burgundy, etc.)
• 3 cups brandy
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• 12 cloves, whole
• 1/8 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp mace
• 2 oranges, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
Directions
1. Pour the wine into a large pot and begin heating over low heat.
2. As it begins to warm, add sugar and spices. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the brandy.
4. Heat thoroughly, but do not allow to boil!
5. Add the lemon and orange.
6. Steep for about 1 hour over low heat.
7. You may add more sugar during this time if desired, stirring well so it dissolves.
8. Serve hot and garnish with orange slices and a cinnamon stick.
9. Enjoy!