AE Advent Calender 12.12.

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   Just another 12 days till Chritmas Eve, or 13 to Christmas Day or 14 to Boxing Day.

Here, to warm up, something special...

History
One of the first signs of fall in Germany are the open air market stalls serving hot spiced wine. For an American, it's a bit shocking to see alcohol sold on the street and drunk openly! Glühwein is particularly popular at a Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market). The markets open in mid-December and sell ornaments, adventcalendars, springerle molds and other Christmas items. Every city and town has a Weinachtsmarkt; the Stuttgart Markt is open every evening, but a smaller city like Nürtingen has a Markt only on weekends and long Thursdays. 
Many European traditions include hot spiced wine. Substitute orange rind for the lemon to make English mulled claret. Swedish glogg is a more complex recipe, but begins with a base of red wine and spices. 
German specialty stores offer "tea bags" of spices under the brand name Glühfix. Most modern Germans use Glühfix at home (and when selling in the Markt). 

Ingredients
For each 750 ml (3 cups) of wine

1 stick cinnamon 
6 whole cloves 
Rind of half a lemon 
2 Tbs sugar 
1 cardamon pod (optional) 
One of: (optional) 

rum 
brandy 
vodka 
schnapps 
Directions
Use cheap wine. Not that cheap, but still cheap, Carlo Rossi or Livingstone will do fine, but will need more sugar. The amount of sugar is inversely proportional to the cheapness of the wine. 
Break cinnamon sticks into three or four pieces. Remove rind from lemon in large pieces or one long piece,
In saucepot over medium-low heat, combine wine, spices and 
2 Tbs. sugar. Heat 1/2 to 1 hour, covered, and do not allow to boil. Longer heating brings out a warmer, more cinnamon flavor. Taste and adjust sugar. Serve, adding a shot of rum or schnapps if desired. If you do add schnapps, be careful not to inhale while drinking the Wein; you'll choke on the alchohol fumes (I learned this the hard way). 

Remove spices and rind; reduce heat to low and cover if not all Wein is served.