Okay, it's time to 'fess up. It wasn't even November when I had my first mulled wine this year. I'm a sucker for it - and if there's mulled wine on the menu, you can bet I'm having some. I just love the feeling of clasping at that warm cup of deliciously sweet wine and breathing in the cinnamon.

Did you know that mulled wine was originally a Medieval tipple designed to show off wealth and generosity? That means there's no holding back when it comes to the garnishes here, so gather your finest ingredients and give this a try.

You'll need:
• A bottle of red wine
• 1 orange (one slice per cup)
• Cinnamon sticks (one per cup)
• Star anise (one per cup)

Optional extras:
• If you want a sweetener, try adding a couple of tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
• If you're feeling a bit 'extra', try adding another shot of liqueur into your cup, such as Amaretto or Brandy.

Method:
If you want a quick fix, then simply simmer all of the ingredients together on the stove, making sure it doesn't boil. It'll be good enough to drink in around 10 minutes or so. Alternatively, throw everything into the slow cooker on 'low' for up to four hours to make all of those flavours really come together. Strain out the spices and add a couple more to garnish, and there we have it. The best mulled wine you'll ever taste!