Mulled Wine - Glühwein

 Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine (Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir)
• 175 ml water
• 50g sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 star anise
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 glug of rum or amaretto

 Method  

1. Peel the zest of the orange then slice the orange.
2. Combine the orange and the peel with the wine, water, and sugar in a stainless steel saucepan.
3. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves to the saucepan. Warm over low heat, ensuring the wine doesn’t boil.
5. Simmer the wine gently for 20-30 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse.
6. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
7. Serve hot: Ladle the warm Glühwein into mugs, adding rum or amaretto if desired. Garnish with orange slices.