Mulled Wine Recipe

CLASSIC MULLED WINE

• Author: Cookie and Kate
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 drinks

INGREDIENTS

• 2 small oranges or 1 large
• 1 bottle of affordable Merlot, Zinfandel, or Grenache
• ¼ cup brandy
• 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, to taste
• 2 whole cinnamon sticks
• 3 star anise
• 4 whole cloves
• Optional garnishes: fresh whole cranberries (about ¼ cup), cinnamon sticks, additional orange rounds or half moons

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the oranges: if using 2 small, slice one into rounds and cut the other in half. If using 1 large orange, cut it in half and slice one half into rounds. Place the rounds in a medium pot and squeeze juice from the remaining oranges into the pot.
2. Pour the wine and brandy into the pot. Add 1 tablespoon of sweetener, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves.
3. Warm the mixture over medium heat until steaming (about 5 minutes). When small bubbles appear, reduce heat to low.
4. Taste and add another tablespoon of sweetener if needed. If you want more spice, cook over low heat for another 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Serve in mugs with your desired garnishes. You can add cranberries for a festive touch.
6. If you plan to drink it within 20 minutes, keep it on the stove over low heat. Otherwise, remove from heat, cover, and rewarm if needed. Leftovers can be refrigerated for a couple of days.

NOTES
SLOW COOKER OPTION: Combine the ingredients in a slow cooker, cover, and cook on low until steaming (about 30 minutes to 1 hour).

Source: Cookie and Kate