How to Make Mulled Wine at Home

Since the weather is getting colder and colder, it’s just about the time to enjoy a mug of warm mulled wine. Grab a bottle of your favorite Grovedale red wines and a few spices and you’re just about ready to make it. Mulled wine is associated with good health, warmth, and happiness, so it’s perfect for this holiday season. Enjoy a mug with friends and family or just cozy up on your couch and enjoy one alone. We found a great recipe with easy instructions. Just follow along and enjoy!

Ingredients: 

• 1 bottle of your favorite Grovedale red wine 
• 1/4 cup brandy (or orange liqueur)
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds (also peeled, if you would like a less-bitter drink)
• 8 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks 
• 2 star anise 
• 2 to 4 tablespoons sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste (or your desired sweetener)
• optional garnishes: citrus slices (orange, lemon and/or lime), extra cinnamon sticks, extra star anise

Instructions:

• Combine ingredients. Add wine, brandy, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and 2 tablespoons sweetener to a large saucepan.  Stir briefly to combine.
• Simmer. Cook the mulled wine on medium-high heat until it just barely reaches a simmer.  (Avoid letting it bubble — you don’t want to boil off the alcohol.)  Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the wine simmer for at least 15 minutes or up to 3 hours.
• Strain. Using a fine mesh strainer, remove and discard the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.  Give the mulled wine a taste, and stir in extra sweetener if needed.
• Serve. Serve in a mug and enjoy!