Mulled Wine

My roommate and I are having some friends over this weekend for a small holiday party, and we could think of nothing cozier to serve alongside the many delicious desserts we're making than a big, steaming pot of mulled wine. This drink - essentially just red wine that has been sweetened, spiced, and heated - is incredibly easy to throw together, and a cheaper, healthier (resveratrol!) alternative to spiked hot chocolate and cider.

Ingredients:
1 bottle of red wine (I like Zinfandel or Malbec)
1 peeled and sliced orange
3 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise
1/4 cup port or brandy

Directions:
Combine all ingredients (including orange peel) in large pot and bring to simmer (do NOT boil)
Let simmer 20-30 minutes and serve (I like to garnish with orange wedges and cinnamon sticks)

*If you have more of a sweet tooth, add in 2 tbsp sugar or honey