Sea Change Mulled Wine
What you’ll need (Serves 6)
750ml Sea Change Merlot
50ml brandy (optional)
1 large orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
3 cloves
50ml smooth orange juice
Caster sugar to taste (approx. 2 tsp)
Handful fresh cranberries, to decorate (optional)
Make your own
Pour the red wine into a large saucepan. Add the orange juice, orange and lemon slices, cinnamon stick, cloves and sugar
Heat very gently over a medium heat until simmering (heating it slowly allows the spices to properly infuse). Do not allow it to boil, simply heat until it is hot but able to be carefully sipped
Carefully taste, adding more sugar if needed. If you prefer a spicier mulled wine, continue cooking over a very low heat for 5 to 10 more minutes
Add the brandy and mix, before turning off the heat. Serve, including some citrus slices to garnish. For an even more festive look, add fresh cranberries to glasses.
Any leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of days, covered.
If you prefer, you can use honey or maple syrup to sweeten your mulled wine in place of sugar. Like it spicier? Try adding black peppercorns, ginger or cardamom.