Vin Chaud (Hot Mulled Wine)

Name: Vin Chaud (Hot Mulled Wine)
Ingredients: 750 ml red wine (see note); 1 whole star anise; 2 slices fresh ginger; 3 green cardamom pods (gently crushed); 3 whole cloves; 0.25 cup mild-flavored honey; 0.25 cup Pear Williams eau-de-vie; pinch black pepper

From David Lebovitz

stirredcup

winter warmerholidayseasonal

Ingredients

750 mlred wine (see note)
1whole star anise
2 slicesfresh ginger
3green cardamom pods (gently crushed)
3whole cloves
0.25 cupmild-flavored honey
0.25 cupPear Williams eau-de-vie
pinchblack pepper

Preparation

1.
Pour the wine into a nonreactive saucepan. Add the spices and honey, and bring to a simmer.
2.
Turn off the heat and let stand for 15 minutes.
3.
Reheat the wine until it’s warm and steamy, then turn off the heat and add the eau-de-vie or brandy, if using.
4.
Pour the wine into heat-resistant glasses and serve.

Notes

Any fruity red wine would work, such as merlot, Gamay, Grenache, or Pinot noir. Fortifying the wine with eau-de-vie is a nice touch, and that too, can be swapped out with another favorite liqueur, such as brandy or port, although it can also be left out. Makes 4 to 6 servings