It’s SO easy and SO delicious!
I’ve collected the first lot of chestnuts and made the first lot of mulled wine and now I’m going to put my feet up and enjoy a glass while the chestnuts are roasting. It may be four weeks off Christmas but who cares!
I’ve been making this mulled wine for many, many years and , despite sampling the varieties at different Christmas Markets all over Europe I haven’t found one that comes anywhere near to it! Of course that’s my opinion and tastes do vary! I don’t like the sickly sweet varieties and I think you should be able to taste the brandy !
So, if you like me find most varieties too sweet and if like your mulled wine to have a bit of a kick then I think you will like this one!
Ingredients
Half a litre of red wine.
A quarter of a litre of good unsweetened orange juice.
Two decent measures of Brandy.
A stick of cinnamon
Half a lemon studded with about ten cloves
A pinch of Pepperonchini or crushed chilliest….this adds a great kick but don’t overdo it!
( Optional ..I like to add a Star Anise )
Method
I use the microwave but you can do this in a pan on top of the stove if preferred.
Just put everything in a big jug and then put that into the microwave. Bring to nearly boiling and then turn down setting and keep hot for about thirty minutes. Microwaves do vary so you need to keep checking . Don’t let it bubble! That will destroy the taste and the alcohol.
Then leave for a couple of hours. During this time the flavours will still be percolating through the liquid and through the room which is just divine!
I then strain it into a bottle which has been sterilised in the microwave. To do this rinse a clean bottle and shake out excess water. But in microwave for about one minute until the liquid has evaporated. (Time will vary according to microwave)
The bottle will be very hot! Be careful getting it out. You will need a cloth or oven gloves.
Cool a little then pur in the strained liquid.
I’m not sure how long this will keep as we usually drink it pretty quickly!
Just delicious with chestnuts roasted on an open fire or mince pies!
Why wait for Christmas!
Creative Learning for Young Children 