Hot Mulled Wine

Warm and comforting, this home-made mulled wine is another lovely way to enjoy your favourite drop. A dry white wine also works just as well in place of red, if preferred.

At a glance

Approx 30 mins to 3 hours.

Serves 6 people

Ingredients

1 bottle (750ml) red wine
1 Navel orange, peeled and sliced into rounds
8 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
3 tbsp honey, sugar or maple syrup (to taste)
extra unpeeled oranges slices, cinnamon sticks and star anise to garnish

Method

In a large saucepan, add the wine, orange slices, cloves, star anise and 2 tbsp of honey/sugar/maple syrup. Stir to combine.
Cook the mulled wine on medium-high heat until it is just about to reach a simmer. Immediately reduce heat to low, cover, and let the wine heat through for at least 15 minutes. For extra depth of flavour, the wine can be cooked for up to three hours.
When ready, strain the wine through a fine mesh strainer. Remove and discard the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Give the mulled wine a taste, and stir in extra sweetener if needed.
Serve warm in heat proof mugs and garnish as desired.

Note: Be careful not to allow the wine to cook boil or bubble, as this can cook out the alcohol.

Optional Addition: Add in 1/4 cup of brandy or your favourite liquor right right at the beginning for extra flavour.