Warm & Festive Mulled Wine Using the Andrew James Slow Cooker

As the cold weather sets in, there’s nothing quite like a cosy cup of mulled wine to get you into the festive spirit. Using the Andrew James Slow Cooker, you can make the perfect batch of spiced, fragrant mulled wine without any fuss. The slow cooker gently warms and infuses the wine, ensuring all those seasonal flavours blend beautifully. It’s a great way to keep the party going and your guests’ mugs full, all while you enjoy the festivities. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 bottles of red wine (Merlot or Shiraz work well) 

• 100g caster sugar 

• 2 cinnamon sticks 

• 4 cloves 

• 2 star anise 

• 1 orange, sliced 

• 1 lemon, sliced 

• 100ml brandy (optional) 

• 1 vanilla pod (optional) 

• Fresh cranberries or sliced apple for garnish (optional) 

Equipment: 

• Andrew James Slow Cooker 

• Wooden spoon 

• Ladle for serving 

Method: 

1. Prepare the slow cooker 

Set your Andrew James Slow Cooker to the low setting. This gentle heat will slowly warm the wine without boiling it, which is key to keeping the alcohol content intact while infusing the spices. 

2. Add the ingredients 

Pour both bottles of red wine into the slow cooker. Stir in the caster sugar until it’s dissolved. 

Now, add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and the slices of orange and lemon. If you're feeling extra festive, pop in a vanilla pod for a subtle sweetness, and a splash of brandy to give your mulled wine a little extra warmth. 

3. Let it simmer 

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and let the wine gently warm through for 1-2 hours on low. During this time, the slow cooker will perfectly infuse all the flavours together, filling your home with the most delightful aroma. Give it a stir halfway through to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. 

4. Serve and enjoy 

Once the mulled wine is beautifully fragrant and warm, turn the slow cooker to the "keep warm" setting so your guests can help themselves whenever they fancy a top-up. 

Use a ladle to pour the mulled wine into mugs or heatproof glasses, and garnish with fresh cranberries or slices of apple for an extra festive touch. 

Why Use the Andrew James Slow Cooker? 

Using the Andrew James Slow Cooker to make mulled wine is an absolute game-changer. Not only does it heat the wine evenly without risking a boil (which can ruin the flavour), but it also keeps your mulled wine at the perfect serving temperature throughout the evening. Plus, it frees you up to entertain your guests while the slow cooker does all the work—no need to stand by the stove stirring! 

Tips for the Best Mulled Wine: 

• For a lighter mulled wine, reduce the sugar slightly or swap it for honey. 

• Want a non-alcoholic version? Replace the wine with grape juice and leave out the brandy. 

• Add a little fresh ginger for a spicy kick, or a splash of elderberry syrup for a fruity twist.