Mulled wine, or “vin brulé” as it’s known in Italy, is a beloved beverage this time of year. Make a potful to serve loved ones at your intimate holiday gatherings and enjoy the warmth, coziness, and festive fragrance that will fill your home!

For this recipe that originally appeared on The Spruce Eats, you’ll want a full-bodied, fruity red wine. Our in-house expert recommends Antonio Sanguineti Nessun Dorma Rosso ($16.99) or Napolini Umbria Rosso ($13.99) – available at our Coupeville market and online. For an extra kick, you can also add a few tablespoons of di Amore Liqueur Quattro Orange, also available for pickup and local delivery from Ciao. 

Now for the recipe you will need:

• 1/3 cup sugar or honey
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 4 tablespoons orange juice
• Thin strips of orange zest 
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (​zest of 1 lemon; same method as for the orange)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 pinch nutmeg (freshly grated)
• 1 bottle of full-bodied red wine
• 1/4-inch ginger (fresh, peeled and bruised with the back of a chef’s knife)
• 1 whole star anise
• 1/2 vanilla pod
• 10 whole allspice berries
• 5 whole black peppercorns
• 1 to 2 bay leaves

First

In a heavy pot, mix your sweetener, citrus zest, orange juice and spices together.

Second

You want to heat this mixture on medium-high heat to create a delightful syrup – this’ll take around 4 or 5 minutes. Once this happens, reduce your heat to low and add your red wine of choice. Slowly bring it to a simmer (note: do not let it boil, that will negatively affect the flavor) and hold the simmer for around 15 minutes.

Third

Strain your now-mulled wine through a fine strainer into your heat-resistant cup of choice! We recommend garnishing with an orange slice or cinnamon. 

Lastly,

Kick your feet up and enjoy your freshly mulled wine!