ngredients
1 (750 ml) bottle of dry red wine (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Zinfandel)
1 orange, sliced
2–4 tablespoons of honey, maple syrup, or sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
2 whole star anise pods
¼ cup brandy or orange liqueur (optional)
Optional garnishes: cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or cranberries
Instructions
Combine the red wine, orange slices, sweetener, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise in a large saucepan.
Heat the mixture over medium-low heat until it reaches a gentle simmer with steam rising, but no bubbles.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 3 hours.
Remove from heat, stir in optional liqueur, and adjust sweetener to taste.