By Fiona McGarry

It’s been a cold December this year. Time to batten down the hatches, throw some spices and wine in a pan, then serve it in a glass or mug to breathe in the festive fragrance and warm everyone up. Mulled wine – it’s simple.

This version is packed with berries and apples (plenty of antioxidants) so feels like it might be extra good for you …

You will need:
• 1 bottle of affordable fruity/spicy wine such as Merlot, Zinfandel or Garnacha  
• 1-2 tbsp maple syrup or honey, to taste 
• 500ml cloudy apple juice
• 2 whole cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 3 tbsp orange Curaçao or Cointreau (optional)
• 100g frozen whole berries: try redcurrants, blackcurrants, blackberries, mulberries and/or cranberries 
• 2 small red apples sliced into rounds or half moons.

Berrylicious mulled Wine
CREDIT: Fiona McGarry

Method:
1. Pour the wine into a heavy-bottomed saucepan with the apple juice. Stir in the maple syrup or honey and the spices.

2. Gradually heat the mixture over low heat until steaming (about 5 minutes). When you see small bubbles at the surface, reduce the heat to very low.

3. Taste and add more syrup/honey (or some sugar) to taste if it’s not sweet enough. Stir and then continue warming over very low heat for 10 to 15 more minutes.

4. Stir in the Curaçao or Cointreau and then throw in the frozen fruit and the apple slices. Then ladle into strong glasses or mugs to serve.

5. If you plan to keep some of the wine for later, remove it from the heat, cover, and rewarm over low heat when needed. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for a couple of days, but strain to remove the star anise and cinnamon if you don’t want it too spicy.

This mulled wine goes nicely with blue cheese, devils on horseback or roasted nuts – especially almonds. Merry Christmas!


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https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Mulled-wine-with-apple-and-berries.jpghttps://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Mulled-wine-with-apple-and-berries-150x150.jpgHIPDrinkFood & DrinkRecipes apple recipe,berry recipe,Mulled WineBy Fiona McGarry It’s been a cold December this year. Time to batten down the hatches, throw some spices and wine in a pan, then serve it in a glass or mug to breathe in the festive fragrance and warm everyone up. Mulled wine - it’s simple. This version is packed...The Hastings & St Leonards non-profit community newspaper