Savor the South of Spain: A Mulled Wine Recipe for Christmas!

As the days grow shorter and the festive spirit fills the air, there's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of mulled wine simmering on the stove. This beloved holiday drink, known as Glühwein in Germany or Vin Chaud in France, gets a delightful twist when infused with the vibrant flavors of Southern Spain. Forget the everyday reds for a moment; we're diving into the rich complexity of Sherry or a robust red wine from Andalusia or Murcia to create a mulled wine that's truly Pura Alegría – pure joy!

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (750ml) Dry Oloroso Sherry OR a full-bodied red wine from Southern Spain (e.g., Monastrell, Syrah, Tintilla de Rota)

• 1 large orange, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)

• 1 lemon, thinly sliced

• 4-6 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish)

• 10-12 whole cloves

• 3-4 star anise pods

• 1/4 cup brandy or orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Grand Marnier – optional, for an extra kick)

• 1/4 to 1/2 cup brown sugar or honey (adjust to taste, depending on wine sweetness)

• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (optional, for added aroma)

• A few strips of fresh ginger, peeled (optional, for a subtle warmth)

Preparation Method:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large, non-reactive saucepan or pot (cast iron enamel works wonderfully), combine the Sherry or red wine, orange slices, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise pods, and optional ginger and vanilla bean.

2. Add Sweetener: Stir in the brown sugar or honey. Start with 1/4 cup and add more later if desired. Remember, you can always add sweetness, but you can't take it away!

3. Gentle Heat: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. The key is to gently heat the mixture without boiling it. Boiling will cause the alcohol to evaporate too quickly and can make the wine taste bitter. Aim for a steaming liquid, just before it reaches a simmer. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

4. Steep and Infuse: Once it's hot and steaming, reduce the heat to very low. Let the mulled wine gently steep for at least 20-30 minutes, or even longer, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen fully. The longer it steeps (without boiling), the more intense the spice flavors will become.

5. Taste and Adjust: Carefully taste the mulled wine. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more sugar or honey. If using, stir in the brandy or orange liqueur now, just before serving, to preserve its delicate aromatics.

6. Strain and Serve (Optional): You can serve the mulled wine directly from the pot, scooping around the spices and fruit. For a clearer drink, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before serving, discarding the solids.

7. Garnish: Ladle the warm mulled wine into heatproof mugs or glasses. Garnish each serving with a fresh orange slice or curl, and a cinnamon stick.

We hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your holiday celebrations. Serve it warm, share it with good company, and enjoy the cozy aromas of the season.