Walker’s Mulled Wine

By jenlin

Ingredients

• 20 whole cloves
• 8 whole star anise
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• 1 whole nutmeg, smashed
• 2 (750-ml) bottles dry red wine (such as Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, or Pinot Noir)
• 4 (6- x 1-inch) orange peel strips (from 2 large oranges)
• 2 vanilla bean pods, halved lengthwise
• 2 ounces pure maple syrup
• 2 ounces honey
• 3 /4 cup (6 ounces) applejack brandy (such as Laird’s) (optional)

Details

Adapted from foodandwine.com

Preparation

Step 1

Heat cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and nutmeg in a small skillet over low, stirring often, until toasted and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Transfer spice mixture to a large saucepan over medium-low; stir in wine, orange peel strips, vanilla bean pods, maple syrup, and honey. Slowly bring wine mixture to just below a simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat, and let steep until spices bloom and infuse into wine, about 30 minutes.

Return saucepan to medium-low; stir in applejack, if desired, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Pour mixture (through a fine wire-mesh strainer, if desired) into a large heatproof bowl. Ladle mulled wine into glasses.