If anyone tells you that mulled wine, hot wine, or spiced wine is for the holidays only, just ignore them and walk away. We are deep into winter in the Northern Hemisphere, with some of the coldest wind chills recorded in history! Now more than ever is the best time to enjoy hot mulled wine while wrapped in a blanket hunkered down in your home!

Mulled wine is so easy to make. All you need is a decent sized pot, some red wine, and spices to mix in. After simmering for a bit, you will get a delicious warm drink that invigorates your senses and satisfies your body!

A note about ginger: If you choose to use fresh grated or minced ginger, keep in mind that you will have ginger particles floating in your drink. If this does not bother you, then by all means, use the fresh ginger. If this is somewhat of a turnoff, then go for the powdered. You will still get great flavor and no floating pieces.

So without further ado…let us begin!

You will need:

• 1 medium to large pot to simmer your wine in
• 1 bottle red wine of your choice
• 1/3 cup honey
• 8 cloves
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• 3 anise stars
• 1 tsp ginger, grated fresh or powdered
• 1 sliced orange

Directions:

Add all the ingredients, 3 cinnamon sticks and half of the orange slices into a pot. Simmer on low for 20 minutes, making sure to stir periodically so the honey melts.

After simmering for a bit, turn off the heat. Pour into mugs or glasses, and garnish with a fresh orange slice and cinnamon stick, and serve.

This will make 3-4 drinks, depending on how large your mugs are. Typically mine makes 3 good sized drinks

Enjoy!