Mulled Wine Whiskey Sangria

Ingredients

• Red wine (1 bottle (750ml))
• Whiskey (1 cup)
• Orange juice (1 cup, freshly squeezed)
• Honey (1/4 cup)
• Orange (1, sliced)
• Apple (1, cored and sliced)
• Cranberries (1 cup, fresh or frozen)
• Sparkling water (2 cups)
• Cinnamon sticks (2)
• Cloves (4-6)
• Star anise (2)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the red wine, whiskey, orange slices, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, honey, and orange juice.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer, avoiding a boil to preserve the flavors.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the spices and fruits to infuse their essence into the liquid.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove the spices and fruit slices.
5. Pour the mulled wine into a pitcher or punch bowl and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
6. Just before serving, add the cranberries and sparkling water to the pitcher and stir gently to combine, adding a refreshing fizz.
7. Serve the mulled wine whiskey sangria warm in glasses or mugs, garnished with additional orange slices and cinnamon sticks if desired.