This holiday season, why not simmer a pot of fragrant, warming, mulled wine to enjoy by the fire? It is perfect for sharing with guests or sipping slowly while wrapping gifts and decorating your home. This recipe includes a bit of liqueur or brandy, but can also be made without for a lighter option.
Holiday Mulled Wine
Serves 10–12
Ingredients
- 2 (750 ml) bottles dry red wine, such as Merlot or Grenache (about 10 cups total)
- ½–¾ cup orange liqueur or brandy
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, plus more to taste
- Optional garnish: rosemary sprigs, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or whole cranberries dusted in caster (superfine) sugar
Instructions
- Place the spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise) in a cheesecloth bag or a large tea diffuser. This makes it easy to remove them later and prevents the wine from becoming bitter. A coffee filter secured with twine will work as well.
- Pour the wine into a large saucepan, stock pot, or slow cooker. Add the liqueur (or brandy), mulling spices, orange slices, and maple syrup. Stir gently.
- Simmer on low for 15–30 minutes. Taste and adjust sweetness with more maple syrup, if desired. Avoid bringing it to a boil, as this will reduce the wine and cook off the alcohol.
- When the wine reaches your preferred level of spice, remove the mulling spices. Keep warm on low heat until ready to serve.
Serve warm, garnished with rosemary, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or sugared cranberries. Especially lovely alongside molasses cookies or a plate of sharp cheeses.
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