Name: Holiday Mulled Wine – Low Sugar – Low Carb
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Low Carb
Ingredients: 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot, Cabernet or Syrah); 0.50 cup MonkSweet+; 2 cinnamon sticks; 3 whole cloves; 1 tsp grated nutmeg; 0.50 tsp whole black peppercorns; 0.50 tsp whole allspice; 0.50 vanilla bean; 1 star anise; 1 orange (sliced); 1 lemon (sliced); 1 cup cognac or brandy (optional but recommended)

The other day I was going through my cabinets and I found a bag of Mulling Spice that my sister left at my house. The first thing I thought of is "What the heck are Mulling Spices?" followed by "What can I use them for and why do they smell so good?". What I found is that Mulling Spices have been used worldwide for centuries to flavor beverages from fruit juice to brandy. But I'm going to show you how to make a holiday favorite, Mulled Wine. The essences of the mulling spices will create a complex undertone of spicy and citrus flavors which complement the basic fruit elements of red wine. Here's the kicker, we are cutting out a lot of the sugar and knocking the carbs down to 15 g with calories at 110 but keeping all the amazing flavor. Serve this at your holiday party and it will be certain to raise the level of cheer!

1 bottle of red wine (Merlot, Cabernet or Syrah)

0.50 cup MonkSweet+

2 cinnamon sticks

3 whole cloves

1 tsp grated nutmeg

0.50 tsp whole black peppercorns

0.50 tsp whole allspice

0.50 vanilla bean

1 star anise

1 orange (sliced)

1 lemon (sliced)

1 cup cognac or brandy (optional but recommended)

Heat all ingredients in a saucepan simmer for 30 minutes.

Strain and serve warm in a punch cup or mug.