Ingredients

The following ingredients have 5 Servings
  • 750 ml dry red wine
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 small lemon (, juiced)
  • 1 orange (, sliced)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise
  • 1/4 cup brandy, bourbon, or cognac
  • additional orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or fresh whole cranberries (, for garnish)

Instruction

  • Combine all the ingredients in a Dutch oven or medium heavy-bottomed pot; briefly stir.
  • Warm over medium heat until steaming and just barely reaches a simmer (about 5 minutes) - keep a close eye on it. Once you start seeing tiny bubbles at the surface, reduce the heat to very low.
  • Continue cooking over very low heat for another 5-10 minutes. Taste and add more sweetener, if desired.
  • Remove the spices from the wine and serve warm in heatproof glasses or mugs.
  • If you expect to finish off the mulled wine within 20 minutes or so, you can keep it on the stove over extra-low heat (it will become more spicy with time). Otherwise, remove it from the heat, cover, and rewarm over low heat if necessary.NOTE: For tips and info about the wine, making it in a crock pot, a non-alcoholic version, variations, and storage, please refer to the article. Lots of great info included!