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There’s nothing like the scent of wine, oranges, and spices simmering on the stovetop to make a home feel like Christmas – and there’s nothing better than savoring a warm cup of mulled wine on a frosty night.
This mulled wine recipe is a must-try during the holidays and since it can also be made in a slow cooker it’s easy to set and forget.
One thing to note is that you don’t need to splurge on an expensive bottle of red wine to make this delicious concoction. A cheap bottle of booze will work just as well, but we recommend sticking to a brand you already know and love to drink.
What You’ll Need
I 750 ml bottle of your favorite red wine
1 large orange cut into quarters.
3 tablespoons of sugar, or honey
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
4 whole cloves
½ cup of brandy (or you can substitute for cognac or another liquor of your choice)
For Decoration
Orange slices
Cinnamon sticks
Star anise
To Make
Pour the red wine, sugar or honey, and liquor of choice into a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Place the orange quarters, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves into a round piece of cheesecloth and tie into a bundle. If you don’t have cheesecloth don’t worry, you can strain the mulled wine before serving to remove the oranges and spices.
Heat until the wine reaches a simmering temperature. Be careful not to let the mixture boil as that will evaporate the alcohol. Reduce the heat, cover and let simmer away for up to three hours while you revel in the cozy, festive scent of the holidays.
To serve, remove the cheesecloth containing the oranges and spices, taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. Ladle into festive mugs and serve with orange slices, a cinnamon stick, and star anise, if desired.