For Christmas, I will usually fly back from St Petersberg, FL to Washington DC to see my family.

We usually have large gatherings together, with friends and family enjoying each others company and exchanging stories together, and as the day progresses, the stories get evermore interesting, all thanks to this one tradition we have... drinking Spiced Mulled Wine!

When did this tradition start for us, well I remember it ever since I was a small boy (although I didn't have any back then). But my family have been making spiced mulled wine for around 25 years.

For those who're interested in learning how to make it, take a read of Jamie Oliver's guide.

However, I advise that you experiment and make your own unique recipe, because that's what Christmas is all about, creativity mixed with fun, and a drop of alcohol.

I do have to admit that my parents are wine enthusiasts, having owned a commercial wine cooler blog, they even still have shares in the company (that I'm currently working for), which helps guide people on the best wine coolers that they should buy.

I mention this because it brings me to my next point...

You'll need to get a high-quality wine, and that doesn't need to be expensive. Inexpensive, dry red table wine actually makes for a good mulled wine.

Cabernet Sauvignon or even a Burgundy is a great choice... But remember to stay clear of strong flavoured wines, like the Merlot.

Next, you need to choose your mulled wine spices very carefully!

Cinnamon and nutmeg are probably the most used spices that are used today, but you should also consider using different flavor combinations... Try using ginger, lavender, pepper, etc.

To top it off, you'll finally need to add a wine syrup base, to help deliver that extra flavour to your mulled wine.