Ingredients:
• 1 bottle red wine
• 1 orange
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4-6 cloves
• 1 star anise
• 2-4 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Begin by selecting a bottle of red wine. Any type of red wine will do, but a full-bodied wine with a higher alcohol content will work best. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Zinfandel are excellent options.
2. Pour the wine into a large saucepan or pot. Place the pot over low heat.
3. Cut the orange in half and squeeze the juice into the pot. Be careful to avoid getting any seeds or pulp in the wine.
4. Slice the orange peel into thin strips and add it to the pot.
5. Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and honey to the pot. The honey is optional, but it adds a touch of sweetness to the wine.
6. Stir the mixture gently until the honey dissolves.
7. Increase the heat to medium-low and let the wine simmer for 15-20 minutes.
8. Be careful not to let the wine boil. If the wine boils, it will evaporate the alcohol and lose its flavor.
9. After 15-20 minutes, remove the pot from the heat.
10. Strain the mulled wine through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solid ingredients. This will give the mulled wine a smoother texture.
11. Serve the mulled wine warm in mugs or glasses. Garnish with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick if desired.
Tips:
• When selecting a bottle of wine, look for a wine that you would enjoy drinking on its own. The better the wine, the better the mulled wine will be.
• Use fresh oranges and spices for the best flavor.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of honey to your liking. Some people prefer their mulled wine sweeter than others.
• If you’re serving the mulled wine at a party, make a large batch ahead of time and keep it warm in a slow cooker. This will allow your guests to help themselves throughout the night.
• Mulled wine can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
In conclusion, mulled wine is a delightful and easy-to-make beverage that’s perfect for the winter months. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a warm and spicy drink that’s sure to impress your friends and family. So, whether you’re staying in or hosting a holiday party, give this mulled wine recipe a try and enjoy the cozy and comforting feeling that comes with a delicious drink.