Mulled Wine
Grab the fuzzy blanket, light the fireplace or candles and get cozy with a warm, mulled wine.
Serves 3-5 people
Ingredients
• 1 bottle of Merlot
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 orange, sliced
• 4-5 whole star anise
• 6-8 whole cloves
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 vanilla bean, split
• Garnish: cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and star anise
Directions
1. In a large saucepan or pot, combine red wine, apple cider, and brandy. Heat it over medium-low heat, making sure not to boil it to preserve the alcohol content.
2. Add the honey and stir until it dissolves.
3. Carefully add the orange slices, star anise, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and split vanilla bean into the mixture.
4. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
5. After simmering, taste the mulled wine and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or spices if needed. Strain the mulled wine to remove the solid ingredients like orange slices and spices. You can keep some of the spices for garnish if you like.
6. Serve the mulled wine hot in heat-resistant glasses or mugs. You can garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick, orange slice, or star anise for an extra touch.