Christmas Market Mulled Wine

Mulled wine the way you would find it at a Christmas market in Eastern France or Germany, infused with spices and orange zests.
The spices
I only use orange zests as it is the citrus fruit that reminds me the most about Christmas, but you can also use lemon zests. Always use organic fruits as the non organic ones are sprayed with pesticides.
You might not find whole star anise pods at your local grocery store, go to a bulk food, European or spice store.
Don’t use any of the spices in the form of powder, you’ll end up with a sediment at the bottom of your glass that won’t be nice to drink.
The wine
Wine is bringing the fruity taste in mulled wine, so you want to use a young (less than 4 years old), round red wine like a Syrah, Merlot or Grenache. I used the Yellow Tail Shiraz which did a great job.
There is no need to buy anything expensive, however, don’t try to recycle a corked or very acidic wine, heat brings out all of the defects in wine.

What to eat with mulled wine?
Any type of Christmas treats, like Vanilla Kipferl, gingerbread or even churros that you commonly find at Christmas markets.
Looking for a vegan cookies recipe? These almond and cinnamon cookies will be great with mulled wine!
Non-alcoholic version
Replace wine with grape juice and put less to no sugar.
You can also make a mulled orange juice with the same spices.

Christmas Market Mulled Wine
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine (750 ml) – see notes
- ½ cup brown sugar (62 g)
- zests of ½ organic orange
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 4 cloves
- 1 small piece ginger – sliced
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil on medium heat.
- Once it's boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Strain and serve warm.
Notes
You might not find whole star anise pods at your local grocery store, go to a bulk food, European or spice store.
Don’t use any of the spices in the form of powder, you’ll end up with a sediment at the bottom of your glass that won’t be nice to drink.
Wine is bringing the fruity taste in mulled wine, so you want to use a young (less than 4 years old), round red wine like a Syrah, Merlot or Grenache. I used the Yellow Tail Shiraz which did a great job.
For a non-alcoholic version, replace wine with grape or orange juice.
Calories are per one serving.