Homemade Mulled Wine

In our minds, winter is all about cinnamon, hot beverages, the sound of crackling fire and perfect cozy nights at home. And now we’ve found a drink that pretty much adds up to what we think winter should be like – warming, sweet and full of spices. Of course we all know mulled wines from the christmas markets around town and we really used to like it … that was before we made and tasted this homemade one – it simply can’t be compared! Brimming over with different tastes of spices, fruit and wine, this drink will warm up your body and soul!

Here’s what you’ll need: (for our two servings, we cut the measurements into half)

– 2 clementines
– 1 lemon
– 1 lime
– 200 g caster sugar
– 6 whole cloves
– 1 stick cinnamon
– 3 fresh bay leaves
– 1 whole nutmeg, for grating
– 1 vanilla pod, halved lengthways
– 2 star anise
– 2 bottles Chianti or other Italian red wine

Using a speed peeler, peel off large sections of your clementines, lemons and the lime (this was actually a lot of fun!). In a saucepan, heat up the sugar and squeeze some juice of the citrus fruits over it. Add the cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaves and just how much nutmeg you want – we think the more, the merrier! Throw in your halved vanilla pod and stir in just enough red wine to cover the sugar. Wait until the sugar has fully melted into the wine – then boil everything until you feel it’s becoming a nice, thick syrup. Now, pour the rest of the wine into your saucepan, turn down the heat and let your mulled wine simmer for about 5 minutes. Serve with cinnamon sticks or clementine peel and enjoy while it’s still hot. So good!