Mulled Wine Winter Spices Citrus (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Mulled Wine Base

01 - 750 ml full-bodied dry red wine (Grenache, Merlot, or Zinfandel recommended)
02 - 60 ml brandy
03 - 60 g dark brown sugar
04 - 1 large orange, sliced

→ Spices

05 - 2 cinnamon sticks
06 - 5 whole cloves
07 - 3 whole star anise pods
08 - 1 teaspoon whole allspice

→ Optional Garnish

09 - Orange slices
10 - Cinnamon sticks
11 - Whole star anise

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Place a large saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the red wine and brandy, stirring gently to combine.
02 - Add orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, allspice, and brown sugar to the pot. Stir to dissolve the sugar completely.
03 - Heat the mixture until it reaches a gentle simmer. Maintain a low simmer, making sure not to let it boil, and allow to infuse for 10 minutes.
04 - Remove the saucepan from the heat. Use a fine mesh strainer to separate spices and orange slices from the mulled wine.
05 - Carefully pour the mulled wine into heatproof mugs. Garnish each serving with additional orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or star anise as desired. Serve immediately.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Keep the wine just below boiling to prevent alcohol evaporation and preserve depth of flavour.
02 - A metal ladle is recommended for serving hot mulled wine safely.
03 - For best results, use wine of moderate price and quality you would enjoy drinking on its own.
04 - To prepare ahead, strain out spices before storage to maintain balanced flavour.