Ingredients:

  • 750ml dry red wine (Malbec or Merlot) or dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 100g clover honey or 80g light agave nectar
  • 60ml amber brandy, cognac, or apricot brandy
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 whole star anise or 3 cracked cardamom pods
  • 1 strip orange or lemon zest
  • 1 dried apricot, finely sliced (optional for white wine)

Instructions:

  1. Pour the 750ml of wine into your saucepan over medium low heat. Note: Keep the temperature below a rolling boil to preserve the delicate fruit notes.
  2. Whisk in the 100g of clover honey until completely dissolved.
  3. Add the cinnamon stick, star anise, and citrus zest strip.
  4. Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes until the liquid reduces by about one quarter (approximately 25%).
  5. Stir in the 60ml of brandy once the reduction is complete.
  6. Drop in the finely sliced dried apricot if you are using white wine.
  7. Remove from the heat and let the spices steep for another 5 minutes until the aroma is intense.
  8. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a clean glass bottle or carafe.
  9. Cool the wine to room temperature before sealing.
  10. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the flavors marry.