It’s the perfect drink for chilly festive evenings and, with just a splash of brandy, it makes a great addition to a cocktail party menu.
For the best flavour, use a slightly fruity red wine. While red wine and apple cider are the most traditional of the spiced winter warmers, you can also use cranberry juice or white wine to add some variation. Just don’t let the mixture boil as this will evaporate the alcohol.
How to make …
Step One : Combine a bottle of red wine, a 10cm x 0.5cm (4 in x 1/4 in) slice of orange zest with the white pith removed, 3 orange slices, a thin slice of fresh ginger, 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 cardamom pods, 2 cinnamon sticks and 4 whole cloves in a large saucepan.
Step Two : Bring the mixture to just under a simmer over a low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Do not allow the wine to boil.
Step Three : The mulled wine is hot enough when the sugar has dissolved and lifting a spoon from the wine brings up steam. To serve, add 1-2 teaspoons of brandy to a cup or mug and ladle the mulled wine over it. Serves 6.
Keep the wine warm in a Mulled Wine Pot Warmer
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