Homemade Mulled Wine

Every year, just a few days before Christmas, I attend the Carol Service at Christ Church. Bangkok's Anglican church holds a special service every year in which the Christmas story is told entirely through songs and carols. At the end of the hour, the congregation lights candles and goes outside to sing Silent Night by candlelight to the hot and humid city. After that, everyone heads into the church hall for a very British celebration of Christmas cookies, mince pies, and mulled wine. It's become one of my favorite Bangkok traditions, and the way I like to kick off the holiday season each year.

When I'm in the US for Christmas, I kind of miss this tradition! This year, I made my own mulled wine to share with my family.

Mulled wine, spiced wine, Glühwein... it's all the same thing! Most recipes are really similar. I improvised a bit and came up with this recipe, and I have to say, I did a great job! Mulled wine is excellent around Christmastime. It's good on a cold winter day, and it's spiced enough to put you into the Christmas spirit! Sometimes it's sweetened more with a few cups of apple cider, and it can be fortified with brandy as well, if you want something a little stronger. For me though, I think that the basic recipe is just fine!

Ingredients

750 ml bottle of a dry red wine such as Merlot or Zinfandel ($10-ish; no need for expensive wine)
1 whole large orange sliced into rings
6 whole cloves
4 whole cinnamon sticks
5 star anise
1/4 C. brown sugar
a few peppercorns

Directions

It's super simple. Simmer all ingredients in a pot on low. Make sure that it doesn't boil! Simmer for 30 minutes, strain, and garnish with sliced orange and cinnamon stick. Cheers!

mulled wine!