Let's Get Cozy with Mulled Wine
There's just something about sipping a warm drink in front of the fire that brings out all the holiday cheer. Our libation of choice? Mulled wine – a red wine concoction packed with warming spices and seasonal fruit that is oh-so delicious and easy to make.
Known by many names across cultures and dating back to Roman times, Mulled wine is an amazing holiday sipper and is perfect for serving a crowd. This delectable drink comes together within minutes and can be customized with your favorite spices and liqueurs.
Mulled Wine Ingredients
for this recipe you'll need:
Wine: We used Softcore for our version, but you can use any bottle of dry red wine. We recommend something that is fruit-forward and medium to full-bodied. Think varieties like Zinfandel, Grenache, Merlot or Syrah.
Liqueur: Traditionally, Brandy is used to spike your mulled wine. If that's not your style, try an orange or raspberry liqueur or even a tawny port.
Fresh citrus: Oranges add an amazing amount of flavor to mulled wine and make a beautiful garnish. Since it's peak citrus season, we included a mix of blood oranges, Valencia, and Cara Cara oranges. Note – oranges that are simmered with the wine should have the peel and pith removed to avoid bitterness.
Mulling spices: Mulling spices can vary depending on location, but we love a mixture of cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, cardamom, peppercorns and allspice. While you can find store-bought mulling mixes, we highly recommend making your own mix. These spices can also be simmered with apple cider for another spectacular holiday drink.
Sweetener: Sweetened to taste, mulled wine can be made with sugar, honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener.
How To Make Mulled Wine:
Making this seasonal sipper is as easy as…
Combine ingredients: Combine all ingredients in a large pot (for a hands-off version, try using a crockpot!)
Simmer: Over medium heat, bring wine to a simmer (about 170°F), and do not boil. Reduce heat to low, cover completely, and let the wine simmer for at least 15 minutes and up to several hours. Avoid over-cooking your batch, as it will create a raisin-like flavor and syrupy consistency.
Strain and season: Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the liquid to remove any citrus and mulling spices. Give the mulled wine a taste, and sweeten as needed.
Serve: Serve warm and top with sliced orange peel, cinnamon sticks or your favorite seasonal garnish!
Mulled Wine
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 (750 mL) bottle Red Wine
1/4 c liqueur of choice
1 orange
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
2 cardamom pods
8 whole cloves
3 allspice berries
3 peppercorns
about 1/4 c maple syrup or preferred sweetener
for the garnish (optional):
orange slices, star anise, cinnamon stick
Method:
Combine ingredients: Combine all ingredients in a large pot (for a hands-off version, try using a crockpot!)
Simmer: Over medium heat, bring wine to a simmer (about 170°F), and do not boil. Reduce heat to low, cover completely, and let the wine simmer for at least 15 minutes and up to several hours. Avoid over-cooking your batch, as it will create a raisin-like flavor and syrupy consistency.
Strain and season: Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the liquid to remove any citrus and mulling spices. Give the mulled wine a taste, and sweeten as needed.
Serve: Serve warm and top with sliced orange peel, cinnamon sticks or your favorite seasonal garnish!