Holiday Mulled Wine

This spiced mulled wine will warm you right up on these cold December nights. I made this for our staff party and it was such a hit that I decided to share it with you. While we did use JoiRyde wine for the occasion, I think our wine is too nice (in my not so humble opinion) to be used in this recipe. I would suggest a cheaper, dry red wine such as Zinfandel, Malbec, or a Merlot.

-Calli, Winemaker and Pretend Chef

Now on to the recipe:

Serves: 12 servings, unless you are us at our staff party. Then it is 6. (~1 hour cook time)

 

2 X 750 ml bottles of red wine   

4 C apple juice

1/2 C honey

2 oranges, zested and juiced

10 whole cloves

8 green cardamom pods

4 cinnamon sticks

2 star anise

1/2 C dark rum (like Captain Morgan)

+ Orange slices for garnish

+ Cinnamon sticks for garnish

 

Add wine, cider, honey, orange zest and orange juice to a large pot (or a slow cooker) and stir to combine.
Add the cloves, cardamom, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer gently for 50 minutes; do not let the wine boil. Strain out spices and discard.
Stir in the brandy. To serve, ladle into mugs and garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon sticks.
Enjoi!

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