There is nothing more depressing that being too cold to drink your favourite vino this winter – and lets face it, there have been some BITTER days when even the best bottle of “warm-pyjamas” red has just not managed to get the chill out of your bones.

The only solution is Glűhwein!

Now we are not talking about the pre-bottled el cheapo’s from the liquor store that probably used last week’s leftover Chateau Cardbordeaux. No no, we are talking about the real stuff, the GOOD stuff! This recipe we got as a little gift from the executive chef at Grootbos – the 5-star retreat just 2 hours out of Cape Town – and we have tried and tested it (a few times) just to make sure it is really as good as it says: AND IT IS!

Plus, it’s really simple to make.

You will need:

• 2 bottles of good red wine

• 75 ml KWV 10 year brandy

• Juice of 4 oranges

• Zest of 2 oranges

• 45 ml sugar

• 1⁄2 vanilla pod seeds

• 1 stick cinnamon

• 1 star aniseed

• 2 cloves

• 1 bay leaf

Now, add all ingredients together in a big pot and slowly heat. This mixture should be boiled SLOWLY for about 4 or 5 minutes – boil it too long and you will lose too much of the warming booze. Strain all the bits and pieces out and re-heat if necessary. Serve warm and steaming, YUM!

If you are not so comfortable with turning the stove on and are more a toaster-chef, spend a couple nights at Grootbos and they will treat you to the best winter drink ever invented – they even have winter and last minute specials, so should the craving strike you suddenly, you can actually save on treating yourself to a little luxury. They have massive discounts if you book 48 hours or less, in advance!

Grootbos really know how to do winter properly with roaring fireplaces and perfect Gluhwein. When you are surrounded by nature, it is almost impossible not to be in tune with the seasons and their specific and individual demands.