Mulled Claret Recipe
If you're looking for a warm and aromatic cocktail to enjoy during the colder months, look no further than the Mulled Claret. This delightful drink is perfect for cozy evenings by the fire or holiday gatherings with friends and family.
To make this delicious concoction, start by gathering your ingredients. You'll need a bottle of claret wine, some sugar, a few cinnamon sticks, cloves, an orange, and optional garnishes like star anise or lemon slices.
Begin by pouring the claret wine into a large pot and placing it over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves completely. Next, take your cinnamon sticks and cloves and tie them securely in a piece of cheesecloth or place them in a tea infuser.
Drop the cinnamon and cloves into the pot with the wine and sugar mixture. Cut the orange in half and squeeze the juice into the pot, then drop the orange halves in as well. If desired, add additional garnishes like star anise or lemon slices.
Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, but be careful not to let it boil. Simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing all of the flavors to meld together and infuse the wine. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.
Once the mulled claret is ready, it's time to serve! Ladle the warm liquid into mugs or heatproof glasses, making sure to strain out the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange halves. If desired, garnish each serving with a fresh cinnamon stick or a slice of lemon.
The Mulled Claret is best enjoyed hot, so be sure to serve it immediately. This festive cocktail is a crowd-pleaser and will surely warm you up from the inside out. So grab a blanket, gather around the fire, and sip on this delightful drink all season long!