San’s Spiced Wine
If you’re anything like me you’ve seen all these delicious foods and drinks in games and felt jealous that only your digital counterpart was able to partake. How could anyone pass up a chance to try San’s Spiced Wine? It is the quintessential drink of the Burning of King Olaf Festival and beloved all over Skyrim. Even the Jarl of Solitude herself buys several cases. So to sate the desire of this enticing wine, I decided to make some myself! Please enjoy my take on a Skyrim classic and staple of Solitude.
Ingredients:
2 bottles of 750ml dry red wine, such as a merlot or cabernet sauvignon
2 ½ cups apple cider
Peel and juice of 1 orange, avoiding the rind
Peel and 1 tablespoon juice of 1 lemon, avoiding the rind
2 teaspoons whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks (more for serving, optional)
1/4 cup sugar, more to taste
Cheesecloth
Cooking twine
- Create a sachet from cheesecloth for the spices and peels and tie shut with twine. In a large sauce pan over medium heat combine all ingredients except the wine and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sugar.
- Add wine and heat until not-quite simmering. Do not allow it to boil to avoid cooking off the alcohol. Serve in your favorite festive mug and garnish with a stick of cinnamon. Can be made a few hours in advance and reheated gradually on the stovetop or in a crock pot.