Mulled Wine

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine – You can use cheaper wine for this, nothing top shelf. You can also try a white wine variation if that is your preferred type of wine

• 2 oranges:

  • Peel one and slice it to add it to the simmering wine

  • Slice the other with the skin on for garnish

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 8 whole cloves

• 2 star anise

• 100g honey or sugar

• ¼ cup liqueur (optional): feel free to add a splash of your favourite brown spirit like bourbon, cognac or brandy to give your mulled wine and extra kick

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients in a deep saucepan.

2. Heat over medium-high heat until the wine starts steaming. Do not let the wine bubble or boil – this will burn off the alcohol. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the wine simmer for at least 15 minutes or up to 3 hours for a richer flavour profile.

3. Remove and discard the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks and star anise with a strainer – you can discard these or use them as garnish.

4. Serve warm in fancy glass mugs, with the garnish and enjoy.