Anyone for a mully? I’ve been mulling it over whether to share this recipe and the answer is a resounding yes. Anyway, enough of the Dad jokes. The ultimate drink that epitomises Christmas for me.

Fruity, bold and full of all the Christmas flavours. I always make this first thing Christmas Eve, our favourite day of the year. It simmers away while all the greatest festive crooners are singing. It fills the house with the smell of Christmas that lasts the whole day and night and it fills my heart with joy.

Makes about 12 glasses

Ingredients

2 bottles red wine of choice. I like a fruity red.

2 large orange – sliced

2 apple – sliced

4 cinnamon sticks

2 star anise

8 cloves

1 lemon cut into slices

4 tablespoons caster sugar

Glug of Cointreau – optional

Method

Pour your wine into a large saucepan over a low heat.

Add all the ingredients and simmer gently for 10 minutes or so then turn the heat right down and allow to cool a little. You don’t want it too hot or it will smash the glasses!

Ladle into your glasses. I do mine through a sieve as no one wants a clove in their pipe! Not really feeling a trip to A&E Christmas Eve to be honest.

If you still like it hot and you’re impatient like me, add a metal tea spoon into each glass to stop them shattering.

Enjoy whilst listening to all your Sinatra Christmas favourites with people you love.