mulled wine recipe

mulled wine is perfect for cozy winter days (not just for christmas). aromatic and warm, you can keep it simmering on the stove, or even in a crock pot, for the whole afternoon or evening. with a variety of recipes and variations, this is a recipe of approximate quantities. taste, adjust, garnish and make it your own!

ingredients:

• 1 bottle of dry, fruity red wine (nothing too fancy)
• 1 splash of brandy or cointreau
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 1 tsp cardamom pod
• 2-5 cinnamon sticks
• 5-8 star anise pods
• 2-3 english breakfast tea bags (I usually use red rose)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (or to taste)
• 1 orange cut into slices
• 1/2 lemon cut into slices

optional garnishes

• cinnamon sticks
• orange slices
• star anise
• cranberries

recipe

1. Using a fillable tea bag or tea ball, create a sachet of the loose cloves and cardamom and any other spices you would like to include. You can leave everything loose in the pot, but the sachet saves you needing to strain everything later.
2. Combine wine, brandy, tea, cinnamon sticks, star anise and the spice sachet in a heavy bottomed pot or slow cooker and bring to a gentle simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes. Avoid over heating as the alcohol will start to evaporate.
3. Remove the tea bags and add the sugar, stirring until fully incorporated. Adjust the sugar quantity based on your taste.
4. Add citrus slices and simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
5. Remove the spice sachet. 
6. Taste and adjust as needed.
7. Lower the heat to just keep the wine warm, not simmering. You can leave the pot like this on the stove or in a slow cooker for up to three hours. 
8. Serve with a ladle in heat safe mugs with garnishes of your choice.
9. Enjoy!

stay cozy!

products shown: Handwoven Placemats in Silver Birch