Our Family Mulled Wine Recipe!

Theres a world of traditional Christmas drinks out there that I just love! You've got your eggnog, hot toddy, hot chocolate, buttered rum, yet, I have to admit that a nice glass of mulled wine, by the chimney with dimmed lights, will always come in as my most favourite way to spend a crisp December's evening! Not only is it incredible cozy and flavourful, it leaves a wonderful aroma instilled around the house that over the years I've come to associate as the official smell of Christmas at home ! 

So, without further ado, allow me to share with you a piece of family tradition for the holidays!

Ingredients 

•         2 bottles of Red Wine
•         1 lime
•         2 large oranges 
•         2 large red apples 
•         6 whole cloves
•         2 cinnamon sticks
•         1 whole nutmeg , for grating
•         1 vanilla pod
•         150 g sugar
•         2 star anise

Method

1. Peel up Oranges and limes and, along with your apples, chop into wedges .
2. Place the sugar in a large saucepan over a medium heat with the cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon sticks
3. Squeeze in lime juice.
4. Halve your vanilla pods lengthways and add to the mixture. 
5. Then pour in just enough of your red wine to cover up your sugar and spice mixture.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil and make sure the sugar has completely dissolved into the red wine, then bring to the boil. It should look like a thick brownish syrup. 
7. After about 5 minutes, when your syrup is ready, turn the heat to the lowest setting and add your star anise, the remaining part of your red wine + orange and apple wedges. 
8. Stir the mixture well, then heat the wine for another 5 minutes,  ladle it into heatproof glasses and serve!

Turn on the Chimney, play some good ol' Christmas Carols and enjoy !

Xx

Tatiana