Mulled Wine

Nothing warms the belly like sharing a mug of mulled wine with friends and family!

20 mins | Serves 6 Small Mugs

Ingredients

• 1 (750ml) bottle of red wine, (choose an easy drinking style like a Shiraz or blend)
• ½ cup of brandy
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds, plus extra for serving
• 8 whole cloves
• 3 cinnamon sticks, plus extra for serving
• 4 star anise pods
• 6 cardamon pods
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar (adjust to taste)
  
  To serve
  Garnish with sliced orange, cinnamon sticks or a star anise pod
  
  Alcohol Free Option
  Swap out the wine, brandy for 1 litre of red grape juice and adjust sugar amount to taste.

Method

1. Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine wine, brandy, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cardamon pods and brown sugar.
   
   
2. Heat gently: Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, do not let it boil, as boiling can burn off alcohol and dull the flavours.
   
   
3. Simmer and infuse:  Reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant and slightly reduced.
   
   
4. Strain (optional): for a smother finish, strain out the spices and orange slices before serving, or, for a more rustic presentation, leave them in.
   
   
5. Serve: Ladle the mulled wine into cups or mugs. Garnish with an orange slice, a cinnamon stick or a star anise pod.
   
   
6. Enjoy Warm! Best enjoyed freshly made and warm. If making ahead, keep it on the lowest heat, or, in a slow cooker on warm.