While summer is reigning in the northern hemisphere, it has been somewhat colder here in the south. To liven things up a little and draw our friends from their homes, we hosted a midwinter dinner. A last minute (but very welcome) addition was mulled wine.
This recipe is based on the German glühwein rather than the traditional British mulled wine, and has always been received very favourably.
Ingredients
- 1 orange, sliced
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp of caster sugar (more to taste)
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 1 tsp dried juniper berries
- Spiced rum (to taste, I use about a tablespoon)
- 1 vanilla pod / 1 tsp pure vanilla essence
- 2 star anise
- 1 bottle red wine
Directions
Gently heat the wine in a saucepan with the all of the ingredients apart from the rum.
Leave on a low heat for about 15 minutes or longer if you have the time, but don’t allow to boil.
Add the rum, and more sugar if needed.
If it tastes a bit acidic add a pinch of baking soda – more sugar or honey won’t help!
