Sweet warmth in a mug

Made simply by fermenting honey and water, mead is an alcoholic drink enjoyed since ancient times. Combined with seasonal spices and flavours, it adds depth to this honeyed mulled wine recipe from the British Beekeepers’ Association. Pour 1 bottle mead (or white wine) and 1 bottle red wine into a large saucepan. Add 250ml sweet red vermouth, 250ml cranberry juice, 6 strips orange rind, 8 whole cloves, 1 stick of cinnamon, and 8 crushed cardamom pods. Heat gently until very hot, but do not boil. Remove from the heat, cover with a lid and cool. Strain the mixture into a bowl. Immediately before serving, return to a clean saucepan. Heat gently, add 1 tbsp dark raisins and 250g honey. When the mulled wine is hot enough to drink, add slices of lemon, orange and apple. Serve in heatproof mugs.