Spiced Red Wine with Brandy and Citrus

Name: Spiced Red Wine with Brandy and Citrus
Yield: Makes 3 cups
Ingredients: 1 orange, sliced; 1/2 lemon, sliced; 1 vanilla bean; Peel from 1 orange (orange part only, removed with vegetable peeler); 6 whole cloves; 1 750-ml bottle dry red wine (such as Côtes du Rhône or Merlot); 1/2 cup framboise eau de vie or brandy; 6 tablespoons sugar

August 20, 2004

The French often serve flavored wine as an aperitif. This one has a base of red wine infused with orange, lemon, vanilla and cloves; it is later mixed with raspberry brandy and sugar. The drink is best at cool room temperature, accompanied by nibbles such as olives, almonds and crudités. It also makes an excellent Christmas present — just double or triple the recipe, and pour the drink into pretty bottles. Be sure to begin the "winemaking" process at least three weeks before you plan to have the wine or give it as a gift.

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