Christmas markets, mince pies, and mulled wine! Three of the best things about the holiday season, which I not only find lovely and festive but also absolutely necessary to have now since moving to the UK- perhaps the latter being my most favourite! It just wouldn’t be Christmas without this gloriously spiced, hot drink so here is a really simple, delicious recipe for you to make your own at home.
Makes enough for 2 bottles of Mulled Wine- multiply recipe as needed,
2, Cinnamon Sticks
2, Bay Leaves
2, Whole Cardamom Pods
2, Whole Star Anise
10, Whole Cloves
1/2, Whole Nutmeg (grated)
Peel of 2 Clementines (Just peel them as usual and have a snack of clementines!)
125 grams, Homemade Vanilla Sugar (I used some of my vanilla sugar but you can also use caster/granulated sugar, and 1 vanilla pod or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste)
125 grams, Light Brown Sugar
500 ml Water
Plus 2 Bottles, Inexpensive Red Wine
Place all your ingredients, except the wine, into a pot and bring to a medium simmer, stir to dissolve the sugar.
Simmer for 20 minutes, then let cool completely.
Once cooled, pour into a bowl or measuring cup through a fine sieve.
(At this stage you have absolutely delicious syrup! Dare I say, even better than maple syrup?? Package a little jar of this gorgeous syrup up with a packet of pancake mix and you have a truly fabulous DIY gift for anyone on your Christmas list!)
Pour the wine into a slow cooker, and heat through on high for about 10 minutes- take care that it just warms through, and does not start to bubble or cook.
Then change the setting to “warm,” add the mulling syrup, and stir together. (If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can of course do this in a regular pot too and keep it over very low heat to stay warm as you serve it through the evening.)
Serve with garnishes like an orange slice, star anise or cinnamon stick!
Happy Christmas!
Tyne to Dine 