Christmas Cocktail Series: Glühwein

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle dry red wine (I used Syrah)

• 1/2 a large orange

• 3/4 cup water

• 1/4 cup white sugar

• 20 cloves

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 2 whole star anise pods

• Rum or amaretto for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Zest orange completely in wide strips using a vegetable peeler. Set zest strips aside.

2. Juice the orange and set juice aside.

3. Combine water and sugar in large pot and boil until sugar is completely dissolved.

4. Reduce heat to simmer on med-low, and add cloves, cinnamon, anise, orange zest, and juice. Simmer for about 1 minute.

5. Reduce heat to low and add wine. Cook on low for about 30 min until flavors are all incorporated and wine is hot. Be careful so as not to boil/cook off the alcohol!

6. Strain into mugs, leaving an inch for rum or amaretto, if desired.

7. Enjoy!