by Robert Giles

Fall is in full swing and the cooler weather is slowly starting to make its way to us. Soon the weekend patio gathering will include sweaters and lighting the fire pit. This is when I start thinking about mulled wines.

Red wine on its own is always fantastic but a mug of spicy, warm wine is another treat that can make an evening really special. You may be asking what is mulled wine, or how do I make it. Well, here is where we will look at all the basics and get you ready for those chilly evenings.

Mulled wine is a traditional drink most common in Europe. In Germany it is called glüwhein and Nordic countries refer to it as gløg but this all refers to a drink made from dry red wine and using citrus or lemon with various spices such as cinnamon, star anise, fennel, cloves, and ginger just to name a few. Often these recipes will include other alcohols such as vodka, aquavit, brandy, or pisco. Much like any good traditional recipe there are countless variations on how to combine these spices for the desired flavor.

For the wine, I would definitely recommend using something like a strong merlot, chianti, or cabernet but don't use a rare or expensive wine. If you want to play with your spice combination, try a mug of warmed wine and your spices in a tea infuser to dial in what flavor you want to add. Be sure to use whole spices rather than ground as the key is to infuse the flavor rather than overpower the base wine. I personally go a little heavier on the star anise and lighter on the cloves but everyone's favorite will be different.

Regardless of how you ultimately decide to make your mulled wine, the end result is a warming drink that goes well with cool evenings outside or just an evening at home around the fireplace.

You can always try out our recipe to get you started and then play with the spice blend to find your preferred flavors. Mulled wine is fast becoming a go to for my fall and winter gatherings and I think it could easily become a new favorite for you to. Cheers!

• 1 bottle dry red wine
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup whole cranberries
• 1 orange slice
• 1 apple sliced
• 4 cinnamon stick
• 4 star anise
• 1 vanilla bean split in half
• 1 Tbsp. whole cardamom pods
• 1 tsp. whole cloves

DIRECTIONS:

Combine ingredients in saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes at a slight simmer. Serve immediately in your favorite mugs with the extra cinnamon sticks, orange wedges, cranberries and/or star anise as garnish.

Note: You don't have to use all of the fruits and spices.