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Bad Santa Cocktail

A warming holiday punch.

“This drink is so effortless, and the flavor is reminiscent of mulled wine, making it such a crowd pleaser,” says Joann Spiegel, general manager of the holiday-themed pop-up, Miracle. “It’s approachable, and people identify with it—everybody’s had something like this at some time.”

Ingredients

Yield:16 six-ounce servings
  • 2 750 ml. bottles red wine
  • 1 750 ml. bottle tawny port (Taylor 10-year recommended)
  • 8 oz. Grand Marnier
  • 2 oranges
  • 1 lemon
  • 10 green cardamom pods, crushed
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 4 dried long peppers (available at specialty spice shops or online)
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 whole star anise
  • 1 1⁄4 cups light brown sugar
  • 1⁄2 cup golden raisins
  • Glass:small mug
  • Garnish:dehydrated orange wheel (or fresh)

Preparation

Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to remove the zest from the 2 oranges and the lemon, and juice the oranges, reserving the juice (save the zested lemon for another use). Crack or lightly crush the dried spices using a mortar and pestle or a heavy wooden spoon (do not grind). Toast the dry spices in a large pot over medium- high heat, until aromatic. Let the pot cool slightly, then add the wine, the zest and juice from the oranges, the lemon zest, the sugar and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a low simmer over medium heat, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 30 minutes, taking care not to let the mixture boil. Remove from heat and let rest for 1 hour. Strain off the solids, then add the port, Grand Marnier and raisins. The mixture may be refrigerated until ready to serve; to serve, reheat in a slow cooker or in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warm.

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