Mulled Wine

 

Place all the spices in muslin cloth to easily remove from the wine when serving.

 

1 bottle good quality red wine

Juice of 2 large oranges

1 lemon studded with 4 cloves

2 cinnamon sticks

2 cardamoms

1 star anise

1 vanilla pod

100g honey

4 tablespoons brandy or port – optional –

Pour the wine into a large saucepan and add the remaining ingredients, place over a medium heat and allow to simmer for 5 – 8 minutes.  Remove from the heat and keep covered with a lid to infuse for 10 minutes. Check the flavour and add more honey if required.