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• 1 Bottle (750ml) red wine

• 1/2 Cup dessert wine (17%-19% ABV, such as Port or a fortified red)

• 1/2 Cup apple cider

• 1 Cinnamon sticks

• 15 Whole cloves

• 5 Star anise

• 3 Cardamom pods (lightly crushed)

• 1 Fresh orange, sliced

• 1 Fresh apple, sliced

• Honey, maple syrup, or sugar (optional, to taste)

• Extra fruit slices and whole star anise for garnish

1. In a heavy pot, Dutch oven, or slow cooker, combine the red wine, dessert wine, and apple cider.

2. Drop in the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, crushed cardamom pods, orange slices, and apple slices.

3. Heat over medium-low until the mixture reaches approximately 160ºF.

Tip: Keep the heat low and do not let it boil. Boiling evaporates the alcohol and creates a bitter, cooked wine taste.

4. Turn the heat down to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for 15 minutes for a light infusion, or leave on low heat for up to 3 hours for a deep, rich spice profile.

5. Slowly stir in your preferred sweetener (honey, sugar, or maple syrup) a tablespoon at a time until balanced to your taste.

6. Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into heat-safe mugs. Garnish with a fresh orange slice and a star anise pod.