Red wine mulled with orange, clove, cinnamon and star anise, finished with brandy. Non-alcoholic version included.
Serves: 6 | Total Time: ~35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 bottle fruity red wine, 750 ml, such as Merlot or Garnacha
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar or honey
- 1/4 cup brandy
- Orange peel strips, for garnish
Non-alcoholic version
- 2 cups unsweetened pomegranate juice and 2 cups apple cider in place of the wine, cider and brandy
Instructions
- Combine everything except the brandy in a saucepan.
- Warm over low until steaming, hold just below a simmer 20 to 30 minutes. Never boil.
- Off heat, stir in brandy. Strain, garnish with orange peel.
Tips
No boiling: it cooks off the alcohol and turns the spices bitter.
Non-alcoholic: same spices and timing, no brandy.
Slow cooker: low 1 to 2 hours, then warm.
Inspired by Hero's Feast