By Robert J.Matthews
1 (750ml) bottle red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well) 3 cups 100% apple cider 1/3 cup honey, maple syrup, or sugar to taste 2 cinnamon sticks 1 orange, sliced into rounds 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
In a slow cooker, add the red wine, apple cider, honey/maple syrup/sugar, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, lemon slices, cloves, star anise and ginger.
Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 2-3 hours, until hot and the flavors have developed.
Check it occasionally and add more sweetener to taste if desired.
Ladle the mulled wine into mugs and serve warm, garnished with extra orange and lemon slices if desired.
Use a wine you enjoy drinking, since the flavor will intensify.
The longer the mulled wine infuses, the richer the flavor will be.