Get that festive feeling with this mulled wine recipe courtesy of Ascot’s Festive Recipe Collection.

Serves 6 – 8; Prep 10 mins; Cook 30 mins – 3 hrs

Ingredients

• 2 bottles of red wine
• 6-8 tbsp honey (to taste)
• 3 blood oranges
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 16 whole cloves
• 4 star anise
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 vanilla pod
• Optional kick: 250ml Absolut Vodka Vanilla

Method

• Slice two of the blood oranges into thick rounds and juice the remaining orange.
• Add the slices, juice, and rest of the ingredients to a large saucepan and stir on a low heat.
• Be careful not to allow the mulled wine to boil, just gently simmer for at least 30 minutes, and up to 3 hours.
• Taste and add a little more honey if it needs sweetening.
• Ladle (and strain if desired) into cups before topping with your favourite garnishes.

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Extra ideas for the perfect mulled wine recipe

• Use a full-bodied wine for this as any soft notes will be lost.
• Experiment with different spirits and liqueurs, Havana Especial
  rum also pairs well with the sweetness and spices.
• Adjust the spices and honey quantities to taste.