Ingredients

For Mulled Wine Version
• 1 bottle red wine (750 ml; something fruity like Merlot or Cabernet)
• 1 orange, sliced
• ½ cup fresh cranberries
• 2–3 cinnamon sticks
• 3–4 star anise pods
• 6–8 whole cloves
• 2–4 tablespoons honey or sugar (to taste)
• ¼ cup brandy (optional for extra warmth)

For a Non-Alcoholic Mulled Cider Version
• Replace wine with 1.5 liters of apple cider or cranberry-apple juice
• Everything else stays the same
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Instructions

1. Combine ingredients
Add wine (or cider/juice), orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves to a saucepan.
2. Heat gently
Warm on low heat for 20–30 minutes.
Do not boil — boiling cooks off alcohol and can turn the flavors bitter.
3. Sweeten to taste
Stir in honey or sugar until dissolved.
4. Optional: Add brandy
Add just before serving for extra depth and warmth.
5. Serve warm
Ladle into mugs and garnish with:
o a cinnamon stick
o an orange slice
o a few cranberries
o a star anise pod
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Flavor Tips

• Add a few cardamom pods for a more complex aroma.
• Use blood oranges for a deeper color and citrusy punch.
• For a sweeter drink, add a splash of cranberry juice.

Any opinions are those of Dale Crossley and Evan Shear and not necessarily those of Raymond James.