Ultimate Mulled Wine Recipe

As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, there's a certain magic that fills the atmosphere—an undeniable invitation to gather, warm mugs in hand, and savour the delights of the season. And what better way to embrace the cozy charm of fall and winter than with a steaming cup of mulled wine?

Picture a scene straight out of a storybook: a crackling fire, cozy knit sweaters, the scent of spices wafting through the air, and friends and family coming together to relish the simple pleasures of life. Mulled wine, also known as spiced wine, has been a cherished tradition for centuries, spanning cultures and generations. It's a drink that warms not only the body but also the soul, creating a sense of togetherness that transcends time.

My Ultimate Mulled Wine Recipe:

Ingredients: (serves 4)

• 1 bottle of dry red wine (medium to full bodied - ie. Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot blends)

• 2 navel oranges

• 1/2 lemon

• 6 whole cloves

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2/3 cup of caster or granulated white sugar (more or less to taste)

Instructions:

1. Begin by selecting a large, sturdy pot suitable for your batch size. Pour the red wine into the pot, but do not turn on the heat.

2. Peel one of the oranges, ensuring you only remove the outer orange layer (avoiding the bitter white pith). Hold the orange peels over the wine and give them a gentle squeeze to release their fragrant oils. Then, place these peels into the pot. Next, squeeze the juice from this orange into the pot, and discard the remaining fruit.

3. Take the remaining orange and cut it into 6 evenly-sized slices. Insert a whole clove into each orange slice. Carefully place them into the pot.

4. Toss in a whole cinnamon stick.

5. Over low heat, gently warm the mixture for approximately 5 minutes. It's crucial not to let the mixture come to a boil; the goal is a gentle infusion of flavours. Stir occasionally to ensure even distribution of the spices.

6. Gradually stir in the sugar until it fully dissolves, adjusting the sweetness to your liking. Taste as you go, as sweetness preferences can vary widely.

7. Allow the mulled wine mixture to steep for at least 15 minutes before serving.

8. Once the mulled wine is infused to perfection, ladle it into mugs or heat-resistant glasses.

***Tip for Larger Batches or Hosting:

If you're hosting a gathering or making a larger batch, consider transferring the warm mulled wine into a slow cooker and setting it to the "warm" setting. This will ensure that your mulled wine stays at the ideal serving temperature throughout your event.