Sweet, spiced and heady, mulled wine is a fortifying beverage into wintertime one that always reminds me of the holidays and of companionship and cheer. Mulled wine is strong, simple to prepare and a delightful treat for holiday revelers that enter your home for a bit of joy come wintertime.
Cut a square of cheesecloth about 12 inches square. Arrange the spices in the center of the square, and tie it into a bundle with 100% cotton cooking twine. Place it in a nonreactive stockpot. Pour the wine, cider, and brandy into the pot, and stir in the honey or sugar. Slice one orange in rounds, and drop it into the pot.
Warm over low heat at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to come together, taking care not to allow the wine to boil lest you cook out the alcohol. Slice the remaining orange into thing wedges. Ladle the mulled wine into mugs, slip a slice of orange into the mug, and serve warm.