If you’ve been through the amazing Christmas Markets of Europe, you’ll be familiar with the warming scents of the German spiced mulled wine known as Gluhwein.

Now, the good people at Viking River Cruises are sharing their own recipe for this traditional delicacy:

Ingredients:
Four quarts dry red wine (e.g., zinfandel, pinot, burgundy)
One quart dry white wine
One pint brandy
One cup white sugar (more to taste)
Six cinnamon sticks
Twelve whole cloves
One-eighth teaspoon allspice
One-eighth teaspoon mace
Two oranges
One lemon

Directions:
Pour red wine into a three-gallon pot (or larger) and begin gentle heating. Add sugar and spices. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Add brandy and white wine, slices of one orange and the lemon. Steep for one hour over low heat. Serve hot and garnish with orange slices or a cinnamon stick.

Makes 12-15 servings.