This year I’ve loved diving into seasonal recipes. As the weather turns colder is the perfect time to do so, since there are so many seasonal fall recipes that feature fall produce. That includes fall and winter cocktail recipes! This one is my favorite.

Mulled wine is such a classic. It’s perfect for sipping around a bonfire or among the pines. This is an easy and simple fall drink to make at home. Essentially you just throw the ingredients into a pot, so I guess it’s also a one-pot recipe!

I love to use sliced fruit and whole spices like cinnamon sticks and star anise to give it an aesthetic boost too. I love a drink that’s visually stunning as well as delicious. And might I add that you can make pretty much any variation you want! I love pears and cloves so I’ve added them in but you can feel free to substitute or subtract what you’d like.

ingredients:

2 750 ml bottles of red wine (I recommend using a standard red blend)

1 cup apple cider

3/4 cup orange juice

1 pear, sliced and de-seeded

2 oranges, sliced

1 apple, sliced and de-seeded

5 whole cloves

3 whole star anise

2-3 cinnamon sticks

This recipe will make enough to serve roughly 6 people.

instructions:

Combine wine, cider and orange juice in a large pot.

Slice the fruit vertically and add to the pot.

Add the spices. Allow spices to remain whole.

Heat on medium-high heat until the liquid reaches a simmer. DO NOT allow the mixture to come to a boil, this will cook off the alcohol!

Allow the pot to simmer away for 20-25 minutes.

Serve by ladling wine into a glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or additional star anise and enjoy!