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Epicurious
Bon Appétit

Spiced Red Wine with Brandy and Citrus

3.8

(1)

The French often serve flavored wine as an aperitif. This one has a base of red wine infused with orange, lemon, vanilla and cloves; it is later mixed with raspberry brandy and sugar. The drink is best at cool room temperature, accompanied by nibbles such as olives, almonds and crudités. It also makes an excellent Christmas present—just double or triple the recipe, and pour the drink into pretty bottles. Be sure to begin the "winemaking" process at least three weeks before you plan to have the wine or give it as a gift.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 3 cups

Ingredients

1 orange, sliced
1/2 lemon, sliced
1 vanilla bean
Peel from 1 orange (orange part only, removed with vegetable peeler)
6 whole cloves
1 750-ml bottle dry red wine (such as Côtes du Rhône or Merlot)
1/2 cup framboise eau de vie or brandy
6 tablespoons sugar

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine sliced orange and lemon, vanilla bean, orange peel and cloves in large glass jar. Pour wine over. Cover and place in cool dark area for 2 weeks.

    Step 2

    Strain wine through several layers of cheesecloth into 4-cup measuring cup. Discard solids in cheesecloth. Add framboise and sugar to wine; stir until sugar dissolves. Pour mixture into wine bottle or decorative bottle. Cork bottle and place in cool dark area for at least 1 week. (Can be made 6 weeks ahead. Store in cool dark area.) Serve in small wineglasses.

TagsAperitifCocktailAlcoholBeveragesBrandyRed WineWineOrangeCitrusFruitEasyWinterBon Appétit
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