This simple recipe is perfect to sip whilst you are creating your Christmas wreath and it’s so easy to prepare ahead of time. Remember to prepare the ingredients, once you have gathered and conditioned your foliage and you will be all set to start feeling festive.
You will need:
1 large orange
3 cinnamon sticks
2 bottles of full bodied red wine – nothing too expensive but it needs to be full bodied and drinkable!
12 cloves
6 juniper berries
1 nutmeg – grated
6 bay leaves
1 bottle of medium sweet cider
1 bottle of pressed apple juice – not concentrate!
2 tablespoons of honey or light, soft brown sugar
A large pan and a piece of muslin or jelly bag
The day before you want to make the mulled wine, prepare the orange by studding it with the cloves. Â Add this to the pan with a tablespoon of honey, roughly crush the juniper and pepper in a pestle and mortar then wrap them in the jelly bag or a piece of muslin tied with string.
Add to the pan.
Pour in one bottle of red wine, add the nutmeg, bay, cinnamon sticks. Â Add the cider. Â Warm gently and stir to dissolve the honey.
Remove from the heat, cover and leave overnight to infuse.
The following day and at least half an hour before you want to serve, add the rest of the red wine and the apple juice. Â Heat to serve and taste.
You may need to add more honey or a grating of long pepper or nutmeg before pouring into warmed glasses and slowly savouring.
