Finnish Mulled Wine – Emperor Akbar

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup vodka
• 2/3 cup port wine
• 15 whole cloves
• 3 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)
• 2 orange zest strips (1 to 3 inches)
• 1 orange slice
• 1 lemon zest strip (1 to 3 inches)
• 1 lemon slice
• 1 piece fresh gingerroot (about 2 inches), peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon cardamom pods
• 3 cups dry red wine
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• Blanched almonds and raisins (optional)