Mulled Wine
It just wouldn't be the holidays without the welcoming warm scent of mulled wine wafting through the air. And this simple recipe for the classic tipple is easy, quick, and comforting. So grab yourself a bottle of fruity red wine, along with your favorite seasonal spices and some citrus, and get mulling!
Servings 4 drinks
Equipment
- heavy pot
Ingredients
- 750 ml fruity red wine (choose an affordable bottle)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise pods
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 mandarin oranges, or any variety of citrus you prefer
- about 3 tablespoons honey
- ΒΌ cup brandy
Instructions
- Cut the mandarins in half, and then stud each half with a clove.
- Pour the wine into a heavy pot. Then add the clove studded orange halves, cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and honey.
- Warm the wine slowly over very low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is infused with the spices and just beginning to steam. (This should take about 15 to 20 minutes.)
- Add the brandy and give the wine another good stir. Taste the mixture for sweetness and spiciness, maybe adding more honey or continuing to mull for another 5 or 10 minutes, as desired.
- Ladle into mugs. Garnish with a fresh slice of mandarin, if desired.