COLD-INFUSION-INSPIRED MULLED WINE
The practice of infusing ingredients (like tea and coffee) in cold water is meant to incorporate flavours while reducing the harsh tastes that can come with a warm infusion. Here, we’ve given it the mixologist treatment by infusing brandy and wine at room temperature so you can taste as you go with lots of time to customize the spice flavouring to your liking. The result is a really smooth mulled wine loaded with intense flavours and aromas. Serve cold or warm it up to fill your home with that welcoming scent that’s come to be expected at the holidays.
WINE INFUSION
3 cups (750 mL) robust red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz
3 orange peel strips
1-inch (2.5 cm) piece ginger, peeled and cut into coins
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp (5 mL) whole black peppercorns 5 whole cloves
1/2 tsp (2 mL) edible dried lavender buds
BRANDY INFUSION
2 oz brandy
1 orange peel strip
1 slice peeled ginger 1 whole star anise
3 allspice berries
2 whole black peppercorns
2 tbsp (30 mL) granulated sugar (optional, if serving warm)
Orange peel strips or wisps for garnish
1 To prepare wine infusion, pour wine into a 4-cup (1 L) resealable jar. Add orange peel, ginger, cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves and lavender. To prepare brandy infusion, pour brandy into a small resealable jar. Add orange peel, ginger, anise, allspice and peppercorns. Seal both jars and let stand until flavours infuse, 4 to 5 hours. After 2 hours, taste wine and remove cinnamon. Feel free to remove any other ingredients that taste sufficiently infused.
2 When flavours have infused to your liking, strain wine and brandy through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup. Stir to mix. If making ahead, strained mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
3 Serve chilled from the fridge or over ice in a wine glass. To serve warm, just before serving, pour into a large saucepan. Add sugar, if using. Heat over medium until hot but not simmering, 6 to 8 minutes. Serve in heatproof glasses. Garnish with orange peel.
Makes 4 to 5 servings