Christmas Mulled Wine Recipe

Mulled wine is the quintessential festive cocktail. Served all over the world with many different variations, it is warm, comforting, and generates nostalgic memories of cold winter walks.

This is a very easy, adaptable recipe featuring our favourite Bats Blood Merlot. The damson flavour of the wine, and notes of vanilla, work brilliantly with the mulling spices. If you haven’t got any Grand Marnier Brandy Liqueur, any orange liquor will work, or even a drop of brandy. It’s just nice to have that extra kick of spirit.

Here's our Christmas mulled wine recipe...

Ingredients (to serve 4 large mugs):

• 1 x bottle Bats Blood Merlot
• 50ml Grand Marnier (optional)
• 2 fresh oranges sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 6 cloves
• 1 star anise
• 2 tablespoons castor sugar (you can also use honey or maple syrup as alternatives)

Method: Reserve 4 slices of orange for decoration and add all the other ingredients to a large pan. Heat on a medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Reduce the heat as low as possible and clamp on a lid. Leave this on a very low heat for at least 15 minutes and up to 2 hours. You won't want to boil the alcohol off, so if you’re worried it’s boiling, turn it off the heat.

When you are ready to serve, strain out the spices and serve in mugs or handled glasses. Garnish with the reserved orange slices and some additional spices, if desired.

This recipe can be done in the slow cooker, and can also be increased in volume for larger groups, if social distancing allows. Or smaller groups, if you are particularly thirsty!

By Rick Stansfield

Rick is a highly experienced bar tender and National E-Commerce Manager for the Deckers Hospitality Group. With 18 years experience serving behind bars in restaurants, hotels, and function spaces, plus extensive experience with mixology, Rick provides the cocktail and serving suggestion expertise here at Drinks Aisle.

Rick is known for his appreciation of working with the best quality ingredients to create the perfect balance in terms of flavours and alcohol in every cocktail he makes.