Mulling syrup

This spiced syrup works equally well for mulled wine or cider. Make a batch ahead of time for entertaining or make up a gift kit for Christmas

Prep:5 mins
Cook:30 mins

Easy

Nutrition per serving

kcal 15
fat 0g
saturates 0g
carbs 4g
sugars 4g
fibre 0g
protein 0g
salt 0g

Ingredients

250g caster or granulated sugar
2 oranges, halved
6 whole cloves
6 whole allspice
2 cinnamon sticks
¼ nutmeg, freshly grated
small piece ginger, sliced

Tip

Presenting your gift
Make up a kit as a gift by tying some cinnamon sticks to the neck of the bottle with ribbon, and accompanying it with a good red wine. You can buy nice preserving bottles from lakeland.co.uk.

Method

Put all the ingredients into a saucepan with 1 litre water and bring slowly to a simmer, making sure all the sugar has been completely dissolved. Turn down the heat and simmer for 20 mins. Leave to cool, then strain through a very fine sieve.
Sterilise your bottles by washing them in hot soapy water, rinsing well, then drying them in a warm oven. Meanwhile, rewarm the syrup until just hot, then pour into the bottles while still hot and seal.
Before giving away, add labels with serving instructions: Heat 400ml syrup with 750ml red wine or cider and some slices of orange or apple. Syrup will keep in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months.