Grzaniec: Polish Spiced Mulled Wine with Oranges and Cloves

Step 1

Pour a whole bottle of red wine into a medium-sized pot.

Step 2

Wash the citruses (two oranges and one lemon) thoroughly under running water. Scrub them well with a clean soft brush. Peel them all, carefully avoiding the bitter white part (the pith).

Step 3

Add the peel into the pot. Juice the rest of the citruses, add the juice directly into the pot.

Step 4

Add the spices: cinnamon stick, cloves and star anise. Add the honey as well.

Step 5

Partially cover the pot and gently warm up the mixture over medium heat. Do not bring it to boil - if it’s steaming, it’s hot enough.

Step 6

Have a taste. Is it sweet enough? If not, it’s a good moment to add more honey.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to a minimum and let the wine simmer for 30 minutes. Don’t be tempted to extend the cooking time, the flavours won’t improve. Quite the contrary: it will turn treacly and overly spiced.

Step 8

Pour in 3 tablespoons of fortified wine (Sherry, Port, Madeira), stir them in. We’re adding it at the end to prevent the alcohol from evaporating completely.

Step 9

Strain the wine and pour it into heat-resistant glasses or cups.

Step 10

Serve warm, with a garnish of your choice (refer back to the ingredients list for some inspiration).