Walker’s Mulled Wine Recipe

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)

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.