03/03/2024
Happy National Mulled Wine Day! Even though the weather is a bit warmer today a nice warm wine with spices can still hit the spot. Cheers!
• 1 (750 ml) bottle of dry red wine
• 1/4 cup brandy (or orange liqueur)
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds (also peeled, if you would like a less-bitter drink)
• 8 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 2 to 4 tablespoons sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste (or your desired sweetener)
• optional garnishes: citrus slices (orange, lemon and/or lime), extra cinnamon sticks, extra star anise
1. Combine ingredients. Add wine, brandy, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and 2 tablespoons sweetener to a large saucepan. Stir briefly to combine.
2. Simmer. Cook the mulled wine on medium-high heat until it just barely reaches a simmer. (Avoid letting it bubble — you don’t want to boil off the alcohol.) Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the wine simmer for at least 15 minutes or up to 3 hours.
3. Strain. Using a fine mesh strainer, remove and discard the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Give the mulled wine a taste, and stir in extra sweetener if needed.
4. Serve. Serve warm in heatproof mugs, topped with your favorite garnishes.