Hot Mulled Wine

Hot Mulled Wine Recipe

1 large orange
2 cardamom pods
6 whole clove
6 allspice berries
6 whole black peppercorns
1 cinnamon stick, plus 4 for garnish (optional)
1 bottle (3 cups) fruity red wine
1/2 cup sugar (or syrup to taste. Agave, maple, rice etc…)
1/4 cup brandy
1 Tbs. Grand Marnier (optional

Method

- zest, then juice the orange.
- press firmly on the cardamom pods, with the flat side of a knife, to bruise them.
-In a large pot, combine zest, juice, cardamom, cloves, allspice, peppercorns, cinnamon, wine, sugar, and brandy and cook over medium heat, stirring, until sugar dissolves.
-Reduce heat to low and simmer about 30 minutes.
-Pour through a fine-mesh sieve.
-Garnish with cinnamon stick.
Enjoy!

* Some other options to play with
Star anise
Whole (cracked) nutmeg
Coriander seeds
Vanilla extract
Strips fresh lemon and/or orange peel

** A list of vegan wines HERE