MULLED WINE
Autumn has returned. The blinding amber, glistening yellow and tempered brown foliage is here to stay until swept or raked. It is the season. It is my favorite season actually. When I think of autumn, I often think of my happy place. The same happy place my therapist encourages me to visit when I’m feeling my lowest: a drive through the peaceful autumn foliage, John Mayer blasting through the speakers and the windows slightly cracked even though the heat is on. Maybe others find an overwhelming amount of bliss in the aforementioned place or space, and maybe their happy place is elsewhere. That’s the beauty of autumn. It breathes duality as lives are born and restarted while so much is dying around them. The nights get colder yet the days are full of warmth, wind and wine.
I was introduced to mulled wine a few years ago; after one tasting, I was sold. Mulled wine is a marriage of all the traditional autumn flavors while being coupled with the best drink of all. Enjoyment of the beverage isn’t specific to one’s palette, and I find beauty in such a drink meant for variety. It’s sexy, it’s festive, it’s sweet, it’s bitter, it’s everything. Whether the drink is brewing in an entirely too-expensive cauldron or nestled next to a stuffed turkey, its taste is always remembered and forever imitated. As the leaves continue to fall and the sweaters continue to be lifted in the air you can take a sip of this coveted drink and reminisce on the autumns of past.
mulled wine
ingredients:
1.5L red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, preferred)
1 1/4c brandy or bourbon, to taste
1 1/4c apple cider, to taste
3T honey or maple syrup, to taste
4-5 star anise
4-6 cinnamon sticks
8-12 whole cloves
1 whole orange, sliced
1 whole lime, sliced
Helpful items:
dutch oven
strainer/colander
recipe:
In a cold medium-size dutch oven or pot, place star anise, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Set dutch oven or pot to medium-high. Lightly cook spices until fragrant.
Pour in red wine. Allow wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add brandy and apple cider. Allow mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add orange and whole lime. Allow mixture to reach boil and then immediately lower heat to lightly simmer. Add honey. Lightly simmer for 15-20 minutes while occasionally stirring. Taste the mixture and add brandy, apple cider or honey to fit desired results. Removed fruit and spices from mixture through a strainer and colander. Serve warm. Garnish with a newly sliced orange and fresh cinnamon stick. Enjoy!
