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Cozy Mulled Wine with Cinnamon and Star Anise

cozy mulled wine with cinnamon and star anise - featured image
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A warm, aromatic mulled wine balanced with cinnamon, star anise, and orange, perfect for cozy gatherings and cold nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (Merlot, Zinfandel, or Tempranillo)
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 large orange (juice and peel)
  • 1/4 cup brandy or orange liqueur (optional)
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 whole star anise
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 2 whole allspice berries (optional)
  • 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Orange slices (for garnish, optional)
  • Extra cinnamon sticks (for garnish, optional)
  • Star anise (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the orange: Wash the orange. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest in wide strips, avoiding the white pith. Juice the orange into a small bowl (about 1/4 cup juice). Stick the cloves into one of the orange peel strips.
  2. Combine the base ingredients: Pour the red wine into a large pot or Dutch oven. Add honey or maple syrup, orange juice, brandy or orange liqueur (if using), cinnamon sticks, star anise, clove-studded orange peel, allspice berries, and split vanilla bean or vanilla extract. Stir gently with a wooden spoon.
  3. Heat gently: Place the pot over medium-low heat. Do not let it boil. Heat until tiny bubbles form around the edges and the surface barely shimmers. Let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Taste and adjust: After 15 minutes, taste the mulled wine. Add more honey if needed for sweetness, or let it simmer longer for more spice flavor. The wine should be warm, aromatic, and lightly sweet.
  5. Strain and serve: Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large heatproof bowl or pot. Carefully pour the mulled wine through the strainer to remove spices and orange peel. Discard solids. Ladle into mugs and garnish with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not let the wine boil, as it will cook off the alcohol and make the wine taste flat. For extra depth, toast the cinnamon sticks and star anise in a dry skillet for 60 seconds before adding. Mulled wine can be made a day ahead and reheated gently. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: mulled wine, cinnamon, star anise, red wine, holiday drink, cozy, warm, spiced wine

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/cozy-mulled-wine-with-cinnamon-and-star-anise-recipe/