This time of year is all about emerald greens and evergreens, mulling wine and making merry with friends and family. And here is a classic simple recipe that I adore making all winter long when the days are cold and nights bone chilly.
Mulled Red Wine
Ingredients
750ml Bottle Red Wine (Merlot, Red Zinfandel, Red Burgundy,
or Cabernet all work nicely)
or Cabernet all work nicely)
¼ cup honey
¼ cup brandy (I prefer a VSOP)
1 tangerine or clementine studded with a handful of cloves
(8-12)
(8-12)
2-3 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
½ inch piece of fresh peeled ginger
3-4 grates of fresh nutmeg
Method
Bring all ingredients to a boil in a medium sauce pot over
medium-high heat, then immediately reduce to a slow simmer, stirring to insure
that the honey is evenly dissolved, and let the wine mixture simmer and reduce
slightly for 25-30min.
medium-high heat, then immediately reduce to a slow simmer, stirring to insure
that the honey is evenly dissolved, and let the wine mixture simmer and reduce
slightly for 25-30min.
Strain the hot wine, serve warm in mugs on a cold damp or
snowy day or evening.
snowy day or evening.
Optional Garnish: small citrus slice and cinnamon stick to
stir
stir
