Traditionally served piping hot in the colder northern hemisphere, this Christmas drink oozes festive cheer. For a cooler variation in our sunnier climes, try it chilled with an extra ice cube or two. It’s easy to make in advance and is set to be a Christmas party success.
COOK: 2 minutes preparation (plus chill for 2 hours at least)
SERVES: 4 - 6
Ingredients
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100g light muscovado sugar
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1 star anise
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1 cinnamon stick
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4 cloves
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150ml water
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1 lemon
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2 mandarins
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150ml Cointreau
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750ml bottle light red wine (try Beaujolais)
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Twist of orange zest and a star anise, to serve
Method
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Put 100g light muscovado sugar in a pan with 1 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cloves and 150ml water. Bring slowly to the boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
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Simmer for 2 mins, then pour into a large jug and leave to cool. Add 1 lemon and 2 mandarins, both thinly sliced, to the jug along with 150ml Cointreau and a 750ml bottle light red wine, such as a Beaujolais. Stir well, then cover and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight if you can.
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Serve over ice, with a twirl of orange zest and a star anise.
Recipe from Good Food magazine, December 2008