These long cold nights call for a little summ’in summ’in to help us warm up of an evenin’.  Crystal Bridges’ Director of Culinary Services, Case Dighero, has just the thing:  a big, steamin’ mug of Eleven Mulled Wine.  Simple to make, and warms your heart and spirit on a winter night!  Simmer up a pot tonight and have some friends over to sing carols or just settle in for a marathon of all your favorite childhood holiday specials!   Sure to melt the heart of the stoniest Grinch!

Eleven Mulled Wine

Eleven Mulled Wine

Makes 2 quarts Ingredients
2 bottles red wine (cabernet sauvignon)
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup brandy (optional)
1 orange, juiced and zested
3 cinnamon chunks
2 star anise
6 whole cloves
2 cardamom pod
2 tsp. whole all spice
1 tbsp. crystallized ginger
1-2 tablespoons honey (depending on the sweetness of your wine)

For garnish: (optional)
orange zest
cinnamon sticks

Instructions

1. Pour your red wine into a medium saucepan.
2. Add the remaining ingredients to the wine. Wrap the cloves in cheesecloth, so that you can easily remove them when the wine is ready. If you don’t have cheesecloth, relax. You can always strain your mulled wine before serving.
3.  Bring the wine to a simmer and allow it to simmer gently for 30 minutes. If you have longer, by all means keep it simmering away!
4. Ladle your warm mulled wine into glasses (straining if necessary) and garnish each with a little orange zest, a cinnamon stick, and a star anise if you’re feeling fancy.

Have fun and drink responsibly!