Simple Holiday Mulled Wine

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 cups apple cider
  
• 750 milliliters red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon)
  
• 1/4 cup honey
  
• 3 cinnamon sticks
  
• 3 star anise
  
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  
• 1 medium orange, zested and juiced
  
• 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar
  

Directions

1. In a medium pot, add all ingredients except the sugar.
2. Mix to combine and bring to boil.
3. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar to taste.
5. Cover and let steep for an additional 10 minutes (the longer it sits the better!).
6. If it looks like there is a top layer of foam and/or ground spice, use a ladle or spoon to skim off the top and discard.
7. Reheat gently over low heat if needed. Pour wine into mugs, garnish as desired, and serve piping hot!