Photo by Theresa Stanley
The perfect drink to kick off the season of festive entertaining, Mulled Wine is a German tradition served during end-of-year outdoor festivals and holiday gatherings. Also a popular drink after a day on the slopes, it’s traditional to add a nip of brandy to quickly take off the chill – but in Kentucky, we add bourbon.
This holiday season, treat your guests to mulled wine seasoned with your favorite cool weather flavors – cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and citrus – or tailor the mulling spices to pair perfectly with your dessert.
Ingredients
• 1 bottle red wine (cabernet sauvignon suggested)
• 3 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 orange, peeled and juiced (reserve peel)
• 5 cloves
• 3 star anise
• 3 cardamom pods
• Peel of two oranges (garnish)
• 1/4 cup bourbon
Method
Combine wine, cider, honey, cinnamon, the peel and juice of one orange, cloves and cardamom in large saucepan. Bring to almost boiling then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Add bourbon. Serve in teacups or coffee mugs with orange peel garnish. Keep wine warm in a slow cooker for guests to serve themselves. Serves six.