As the weather gets colder, sometimes all you need is a mulled wine to warm you up.

You will need:

• 2 star anise
• cinnamon quills
• Bay leaves
• 1 finely sliced mandarin
• 2 cups of apple juice
• 1 cup of castor sugar
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 2 bottles of Merlot
• ½ cup of orange liqueur

To make:

• Simmer whole cloves, 2 star anise, cinnamon quills and bay leaves with 1 finely sliced mandarin, 2 cups of apple juice, 1 cup of castor sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla extract, stirring until sugar has dissolved.
• Add 2 bottles of Merlot and ½ cup of orange liqueur
• Reduce heat for 15 mins, strain and enjoy while hot!

Great treat to warm up winter party guests.