Mulled wine is one of our must-haves during the holidays. Not only do I enjoy drinking it, but the aromas that come from the kitchen while it simmers are also heavenly. 

 

Enjoy this drink near a warm fire while watching your favorite Christmas movie. 

 

Yield 2 cups 

 

1 - 750ml bottle of red wine

½ cup brandy

1 cup organic apple juice or apple cider

2 oranges, 1 sliced into rounds, the other zested into large strips for garnish

2 Tbsp mulling spices **

4 star anise, 2 in the pot for simmering, 2 for garnish 

1 Cinnamon stick  

 

In a medium pot over medium-low heat, combine the wine, brandy, apple juice, orange rounds, mulling spices, 2 star anise, and a cinnamon stick. Simmer gently for 20 minutes. 

 

Ladle the warm mulled wine into 2 mugs and garnish each with 1 star anise and 1 large zest. 

 

** My mulling spices are from William Sonoma, but you can make your own by combining cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, and dried oranges.  

 

Cheers, and enjoy!