Mulled Red Wine

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (750 ml) bottle of dry red wine

• 1 orange, sliced into rounds (also peeled, if you would like a less-bitter drink)

• 8 whole cloves

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 2 star anise

• optional 2–4 tablespoons sugar, honey

• optional add-in: 1/4 cup brandy (or your favorite liqueur)

• optional garnishes: citrus slices (orange, lemon and/or lime), extra cinnamon sticks, extra star anise

HOW TO MAKE MULLED WINE:

To make mulled wine, simply…

1. Combine ingredients.  Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and give them a quick stir.

2. Simmer.  Heat until the wine just barely reaches a simmer over medium-high heat.  (Avoid letting it bubble — you don’t want to boil off the alcohol.)  Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the wine simmer for at least 15 minutes or up to 3 hours.

3. Strain and season.  Using a fine strainer  , remove and discard the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise. Give the mulled wine a taste, and stir in your desired amount of extra sweetener if needed.

4. Serve. Serve warm in heatproof mugs, topped with your favorite garnishes.

Recipe Credit: Gimme Some Oven