Mulled Wine
1 bottle of red wine. I used @salenteinbodega Portillo Malbec
90-120 ml brandy. I used @martellofficial VSOP Cognac
zest of one medium orange
2 large cinnamon sticks
8 cloves
3 star anise pods
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
Heat all together over low heat for 30 minutes. strain, pour into warmed mug and garnish with cinnamon stick and clove studded lemon or orange wedge.
Mulled Wine, or Hypocras, is one of those drinks that predates the era of cocktails. The earliest mentions of heated, spiced wine date back to ancient Rome. Right after they built all those roads, they used them to bring mulled wine all over Europe. It's been a common tradition in Germany, France, and England ever since and is especially popular around Christmas time.
For this I recommend using a full bodied red wine with bold flavors that will shine through the spices and heating process. A Malbec is a good choice, or try a Tempranillo.
Image and recipe courtesy of @thenickromancer.
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