What could be more festive on a cold winter’s evening after traipsing around the shops or singing a few rousing carols than a glass or two of delicious mulled wine? Reminiscent of the ski slopes or one of the increasingly popular Christmas markets, a little nip of the warm, red stuff is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
A NOTE ABOUT THE WINE: There’s no need to break the bank here. A £4 - £5 bottle will be fine. As for type? Cab Sav, Rioja or Chianti are favourites, but any wine with backbone will do.
INGREDIENTS
1 BOTTLE RED WINE
60g/ 2oz BROWN SUGAR
1 ORANGE
1 CINNAMON STICK
GRATED NUTMEG
1 BAY LEAF
TO PREPARE:
- Put the wine in a heavy-bottomed saucepan with the orange (halved), sugar, bay leaf, nutmeg and cinnamon.
- Bring to a simmer and heat until the sugar dissolves. Add more sugar to taste if required. Strain into a heatproof glass and serve immediately.
- For extra flavour, add 2 star anise and 2 cloves, or stir in
60 ml/2 fl oz sloe gin after heating.
And if it seems a bit too much like hard work, then you could always buy some premixed bottles from the supermarket. Cheers!
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