By Douglas Habecker
Translated by S. Ying
Hotel ONE's 29th-floor Lounge ONE has long been one of Taichung's more popular hang-outs, thanks to its great ambiance, special events, nice views and, of course, excellent bar. To warm you up this winter, head bartender Odin Hsu is offering four special warm winter cocktails through the end of January. Mulled One (NT$420 + 10%) is his variation on mulled wine, a traditional spiced, warmed wine popular in various forms across Europe. Unlike the traditional version, Odin's drink includes brown sugar and Indian Ceylon tea. Lounge ONE is open to 3 a.m. daily.
 
Right: Lounge ONE's three other warm winter
cocktails include: Garden Hide Tea
(bottom), Grog Wine (top left) and the
ONE Toddy.
 
Ingredients:
Red wine 200 ml (Odin prefers Cabernet Sauvignon but any red will do)
Cloves (about 10 sprigs)
Ceylon black tea teabag
Brown sugar solution 60 ml*
Apple, orange and lemon slices
Cinnamon stick
*Note: Dissolve brown sugar into water for a 1:1 solution.
Preparation:
1. Slice fruit for a 0.3 cm orange and lemon slice (1 each) and an apple quarter.
2. Put wine into a sauce pan and heat to about 100-150 degrees (medium heat). Continue stirring until small bubbles are seen around the edges. Then add about 10 clove sprigs (as preferred), fruit slices and teabag to wine. Continue stirring over low heat (60-70 degrees) for 5-10 minutes and add 60 ml of dissolved brown sugar.
3. Pour wine (without teabag) into a mug and add cinnamon stick for extra flavoring (if desired). Fruit slices can be used as decorations and enjoyed separately.
  
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January 2015
