Cocktail & Other Recipes By Spirit Bourbon Cocktails

Last-Minute Mulled Wine

By
H. Joseph Ehrmann
H. Joseph Ehrmann
H. Joseph Ehrmann is a bartender and drinks industry consultant who runs Elixir, one of the most influential bars in San Francisco.
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Published 11/23/12
last-minute mulled wine cocktail

 H. Joseph Ehrmann

For unexpected guests, throw together the classic Last-Minute Mulled Wine with ingredients you probably have in the pantry. When unexpected guests arrive at the door, there’s no easier party punch than Last-Minute Mulled Wine. Got a bottle of red wine lying around? Spike it with warm pantry spices like cinnamon and star anise, then amp up the flavor even further with a splash of bourbon or brandy. That’s how you capture the holidays in a mug.

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle fruity red wine (such as beaujolais or syrah)

  • 4 ounces bourbon or brandy

  • 2 teaspoons sugar

  • 4 star anise pods

  • 2 long strips lemon peel or orange peel

  • Garnish: 6 cinnamon sticks

Steps

Serves 6.

  1. Add the red wine, bourbon or brandy, sugar, star anise pods and lemon or orange peels into a small saucepan, and heat over low heat until warm, but do not allow to boil.

  2. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes.

  3. Divide between six mugs or punch cups.

  4. Garnish each drink with a cinnamon stick.