makes 8-10 servings
2 bottles red wine (I like to use an inexpensive red blend)
1 mulling spice sachet (2 cinnamon sticks; 2 teaspoons allspice berries; 6 whole cloves; 1 teaspoon coriander seeds; 1 teaspoon cardamom pods, gently crushed; 1 whole star anise)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons brandy
1 tablespoon triple sec
6 thinly-sliced orange wheels
cinnamon sticks and whole cranberries, for garnish [optional]
1. Pour the wine into the bowl of a crockpot. Add the mulling spice sachet. Cover and simmer over low heat for 2 hours.
3. After 2 hours, sweeten with sugar and stir in the brandy and triple sec. Add the thinly-sliced orange wheels. Simmer for another half-hour before serving. Garnish each serving with whole cranberries and a cinnamon stick, if desired.