Let’s Get Blitzen: Cocktail Advent Calendar – Day 18 – Mulled Wine. This post is called is it Christmas yet?
I’m just a bit fatigued. I have been oversubscribed socially, it’s been a surprisingly busy couple of weeks at work, especially because I thought everyone would be winding down leading into the holidays, but it’s been the opposite.
I’m ready for a break. I’ll be heading down to visit my parents in Florida for a few days and a bit of sun and warmth probably won’t hurt either.
Although, I always do find a bit odd to have a green Christmas. There’s something really incongruent about driving down the four-lane highways, past all the shopping centres and big liquor depots (not to mention the gun and ammo stores that dot every corner) and see palm trees decked out in Christmas lights.
Last year, after opening our presents, we spent Christmas day on the white sands of Lido Beach. To our delight, some brave soul, very much in the holiday spirit, brought a decorated Christmas tree to the beach and let everyone get a photo with the tree.
Maybe we’ll do that again this year, it is a pretty photo op for the ‘gram!
Either way, i probably won’t be enjoying too many hot cocktails, like this mulled wine, while I’m there. When it’s not cold outside, you don’t need to come in from the cold and enjoy a hot cup of alcohol.
But for you souls staying in more wintry climes, I would strongly recommend this flavourful mulled wine, made with brandy and Grand Marnier – two regulars in this Let’s Get Blitzen: Cocktail Advent Calendar. Cinnamon, star anise, and freshly squeezed lemon and orange juices make spirits bright in this winter warmer.
Mulled Wine
- 1 bottle red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon
- ¼ cup brandy
- ¼ cup Grand Marnier
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- Juice of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 lemon
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Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan
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Bring to a boil over medium heat and then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
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Serve warm with orange peel or slices for garnish.
