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Spiced Orange Wine

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Spiced Orange Wine John Kernick
  • Active Time

    15 min

What could be more French countryside than pulling a chilled bottle of homemade (or at least home-doctored) wine from the fridge for a special celebration? This orange sipping wine is a little sweeter and stronger than a regular glass of white, and it's the perfect aperitif for theonion tart with mustard and fennel.

Ingredients

Makes 2 (750-ml) bottles

2 (750-ml) bottles dry white wine
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier
1/4 cup Pernod
2 whole cloves
4 Turkish or 2 California bay leaves
2 navel oranges
  1. Step 1

    Bring all ingredients except oranges to a boil (reserve wine bottles and corks), stirring until sugar has dissolved.

    Step 2

    Remove zestfrom oranges in a continuous spiral using a vegetable peeler and cut off any white pith with a paring knife. Reserve oranges for another use and divide zest between empty wine bottles.

    Step 3

    Fill bottles with orange wine and cool, uncorked, 1 hour.

    Step 4

    Cork bottles, then chill at least 4 hours.

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  • I did make one substitution: In place of Pernod which I didn't have on hand, I added a star anise when I mixed the wine the day before and it added a delightfully subtle hint of flavor. I added a little extra Grand Marnier too. It turned out delicious and all my dinner party guests demanded the recipe.

    • davidrkoopman

    • Denver, CO

    • 7/29/2013

  • I made this for the family during the holidays and everyone wanted more. This one is a keeper. Nice blend of flavors.

    • alabamachef

    • Brewton, AL

    • 1/4/2009

  • So easy to make but a bit too sweet given what the recipe calls for. I would also halve the amount of Pernod, or use 3/4 of the recommended amount -- it overpowers the more delicate flavors of orange and bay leaf.

    • Anonymous

    • Chicago, IL

    • 9/29/2008

  • Deliciously refreshing and embarrassingly simple to make! I used Absynthe in place of Pernod, and find that when chilled, its flavor is dominant. But left to room temperature, the wine's fragrance ripens and the balance is perfect! Great for sipping over a book, or visiting with friends. I've found our hostess-gifts for upcoming holiday parties!

    • Anonymous

    • N. Arlington, VA

    • 9/14/2008

  • This was quite delicious. I didn't have Pernod, but a reasonable substitute was Sambucca, and I don't regret it. A beautiful blend of anise and orange and quite subtle. If you like ice wines you should greatly enjoy this.

    • katanas

    • Norfolk, VA

    • 9/1/2008

  • Made this for a 60th birthday party - everyone loved it. A light, lovely way to start a party and it goes so well with an onion tart!

    • justbloom

    • Calgary, Alberta

    • 8/30/2008

  • The Parnod could be toned down somewhat for my taste. It just overpowered the entire bottle. Maybe cut in half.

    • Artsee77

    • NC

    • 6/24/2008

  • I made this recipe exactly as written and I wouldn't change a thing. If you don't tell people what's in it they will never guess as the flavours are so subtle.

    • smayo

    • Victoria, BC

    • 5/10/2008

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