Glühwein / Hot glow wine

This traditional hot beverage, called Glühwein in Bavaria, is a festive seasonal drink that can brighten everyone's holiday spirits.

Ingredients

• 3 quarts water
• 6 tea bags (black tea)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 2 oranges, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup sugar, plus more to taste
• 1/2 gallon red wine
• 1 pint dark rum (optional)
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves

Directions

1. Bring the water to a boil in a large nonreactive pot. Add tea bags. Turn off the heat and cover the pot. Steep tea for 5 minutes.

2. Remove tea bags. Add lemon, oranges, sugar, wine, rum (if using), cinnamon, and cloves. Simmer on low, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. Remove cloves and cinnamon sticks. Taste and add more sugar if desired. Serve warm.