How to make mulled wine

It couldn’t be easier to make mulled wine, and the huge benefit is that it fills your home with a glorious and unmistakably Christmassy aroma. Whether you’re planning a festive party at home for friends and family or simply want a delicious and warming drink to enjoy while decorating the tree or wrapping presents, mulled wine is the perfect tipple – and you can enjoy it right through the festive season. It’s also super easy to make a non-alcoholic version to serve alongside your mulled wine so no one has to be left out.

This version includes a glug of the Scandinavian spirit aquavit, which you can buy or make at home by infusing vodka. Alternatively, you could omit it altogether. The more spices and aromatics you add to your mulled wine, the tastier it will be. Try this recipe a few times and then you can adapt it to suit your tastes.

MAY WE SUGGEST: The Best Christmas cocktails for festive parties

Top Tips

Aquavit is available in most large off-licence shops and specialty stores. You can also find it online at ScandiKitchen. To make a mock aquavit, add the following to a 1 litre bottle of vodka: 2tsp caraway seeds, 1tsp fennel seeds, 2tsp dill seeds, 2 star anise, 1tbsp coriander seeds, 1 whole clove, one 1-inch cinnamon stick (optional), and 2 teaspoons cumin seeds (optional). Let it stand for 2 to 3 weeks, shaking the bottle occasionally, then strain and discard the solids. This infused vodka can be substituted for aquavit in recipes, and is also delicious drunk straight.

For a non-alcoholic version of this mulled wine, replace the wine and port with grape juice or blackcurrant cordial made up in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions.

Recipe and image from Snowflakes and Schnapps by Jane Lawson (Murdoch Books, £17.99)