Mulled wine is a festive favourite, and Spice Kitchen has shared their take on the beloved winter warmer. Their website states: “Warm, spiced, and deeply fragrant, this classic mulled wine brings holiday cheer to every sip.

Make it your own by adding a splash of spiced rum, gin, or whisky, or go alcohol-free with apple juice.” For those keen to whip up their own batch at home, it’s a straightforward process that requires just five steps.

You can even opt for a non-alcoholic version by using juice instead of wine. But if you’re in the mood for something stronger, feel free to add a dash of spiced rum, gin, or whisky, reports the Express.

Here’s how to make a classic mulled wine:

Ingredients:

– One bottle of red wine (750 ml).

– 100g sugar.

– Juice of two clementines (about 80 ml).

– One tsp dried mixed peel.

– Five whole cardamom pods.

– Two cinnamon sticks.

– Five whole black peppercorns.

– Half tsp freshly grated nutmeg.

– Two bay leaves.

– Four whole cloves.

– One star anise.

– Two thin slices of fresh ginger (about one cm each).

People can opt for a booze-free version of the drink by using juice
People can opt for a booze-free version of the drink by using juice (Image: (Image: Getty))

Method:

Start by preparing the base. In a large saucepan, mix together the sugar, clementine juice, and all the spices. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.

Next, place the saucepan over low heat to infuse the flavours, then pour in about 100ml of red wine. Allow it to gently simmer (avoid boiling) for 10 to 15 minutes so that the spices can fully infuse.

Then add the rest of the wine, keeping the heat on low. Warm it gently for another 10 minutes without boiling to maintain the wine’s flavour.

Finally, take it off the heat, discard the whole spices, and serve in heat-proof glasses or mugs.