In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, whisk together the beef broth, drippings, wine, and Worcestershire sauce until combined.
Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce to a low simmer.
Simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the desired consistency.
Add black pepper, to taste.
Pour the au jus into a serving bowl or gravy boat.
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Thicker Au Jus: If you want your au jus to be thicker, just simmer it longer. Or, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the au jus and cook for 3-5 more minutes, stirring often, until it thickens.
No Drippings? No Problem! If you don’t have beef drippings, you can still make au jus. Use an extra ½ cup of beef broth and add a bit of fat, like 2-3 tablespoons of butter. For more flavor, mix in seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, or fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, or parsley. Start with ¼ teaspoon of each and adjust to your taste.
Wine Alternative: Don’t have red wine? Use red wine vinegar instead. It has less alcohol and still gives that tangy flavor. If it’s too strong, you can add some extra beef broth to tone it down.