FINNISH MULLED RED WINE

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750 mL) dry red wine
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp anise seed
• 3 strips orange peel
• 2 strips lemon peel (3x1/2 inch)
• 3 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/8 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 cup gin, optional

Directions

1. Combine wine, sugar, anise seed, orange peel, lemon peel, cloves and cinnamon sticks in a large nonreactive saucepan. Bring to a simmer and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover and let steep for 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, combine orange juice, lemon juice and cardamom; set aside.
3. Strain wine mixture though a fine sieve into a bowl; discard solids. Return wine mixture to saucepan. Heat over low heat to serving temperature. Add orange juice mixture; stir to combine. Stir in gin.