Holiday Cheer in a Mug: Blackberry Mulled Wine

As the clocks go back, and the nights are drawing in, there is a certain frosty nip in the air this time of year, which I have to admit is my favourite time. So what better way to relax an unwind than coming home from work, lighting the fire, pulling the curtains, lighting a few candles and snuggling under a big, cosy blanket with a glass of Blackberry Mulled Wine.

This beautiful drink is not only warming, fruity and fully of flavour but also gives you those pre festive feels and if your anything like me and love Christmas, those feels are always welcome.

To make this warming, fruity drink you will need...

Ingredients

• Bottle or 750ml of Red wine
• 300ml Apple Juice
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
• 350g Blackberries (Fresh Or Frozen. For this batch I used frozen that I had picked this year)
• 50g Caster Sugar

Method

1. Put all the blackberries in a large saucepan. Add the apple juice, caster sugar, and vanilla extract to the pan.
2. Bring to a boil and cook for 4-5 minutes until reduced down and starting to turn syrupy. This step might take a few more minutes to happen than stated. If so, just give it time.
3. Reduce the heat, pour in the red wine and heat gently for 5 minutes or until steaming. You don't want this to bubble as your at risk of over cooking and burning the wine. Strain the mulled wine through a sieve to remove the Blackberry seeds. Mash the juicy fruits through the mesh to get ever last bit of goodness out of the berry.

4. This next step is optional. You can either serve straight from the jug you have just strained into or gently re-heat like I do on the stove for a couple of minutes. Pour into your favourite glass and enjoy.

So there you have it, my Blackberry Mulled Wine. Perfect for this time of year. I have to admit, I will be making it again this evening ready for our friends and family get together.

If you make this dish, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

*Chefs Kiss*