This is the holiday beverage of choice in our house once it gets cold. Most of the alcohol burns off, so you can drink a mug or two without fear of getting buzzed.

I like to think Jamie and Olivia might have enjoyed a cup or two during their race through a wintry England in search of missing treasure in Six Degrees of Scandal …

• 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 ¼ cups water
• 3 whole nutmegs, crushed
• 4 dozen whole cloves
• 6 cinnamon sticks (each 2 inches long)
• 2 oranges
• 3 lemons
• 3 L hearty burgundy wine or your favorite fruity red wine

Peel the lemons and oranges. Combine the peels, sugar, water, and spices in a large pot. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Stir in the burgundy (note: you're mixing it with sugar and spices; don't waste a top-quality bottle of wine here.) Squeeze the peeled lemons and oranges, and add the strained juice to the pot. Stir together until heated.

Strain before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tip: this is even better the next day. Make it ahead of time and strain out all the bits of fruit peel and spices. Store in the refrigerator, and you can heat it up one cup at a time.