Mulled Wine Recipe

Red wine… it has some pretty great health benefits. Natural polyphenols help cells fight free radical damage and increase levels of ‘good’ cholesterol, while procyanidins reduce blood pressure.

Add a pinch of ginger, a few sprigs of cinnamon (both great anti-inflammatories) and medicinal spices like cloves and star anise, and you’ve got yourself a potent health tonic… otherwise known as mulled wine.

By making your own at home, you can curb the sugar content. Here’s a recipe from Hemsley & Hemsley:

Ingredients (Serves 4)
5 cardamom cloves, crushed
1 tsp of ground cinnamon or 1 large cinnamon stick
4 whole cloves
1½ tbsp maple syrup or 3-5 drops of liquid stevia
2 thick slices of a medium orange including the peel
2 inch piece of ginger, roughly chopped
1 bottle of red wine
2 star anise

How To
1. Put everything, except the red wine and star anise, into a medium saucepan with a cup of water (more water if your pan is big).
2. Bring to the boil and let it simmer away on a medium heat for 5-8 minutes until the water has nearly evaporated.
3. Add the wine and the star anise, reduce the heat and let it all warm through for 5 minutes.
4. Strain (if you like), decorate with fresh cranberries and serve.

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