Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a delightful and aromatic drink perfect for cozy evenings by the fire or festive gatherings with loved ones. Its warm flavors and comforting spices make it a popular choice during the colder months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

  1. Great flavors: The combination of red wine, spices, and citrus fruits creates a rich and complex flavor profile.
  2. Quick prep time: This recipe comes together easily and can be made in just a few simple steps.
  3. Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to unwind after a long day, mulled wine is a versatile and crowd-pleasing drink.

Ingredient Notes:

  • Dry, fruity red wine bottle (Merlot, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • Apple cider
  • Honey
  • Orange (zested and juiced)
  • Whole cloves
  • Green cardamom pods
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Whole star anise
  • Brandy
  • Orange slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, combine the red wine, apple cider, honey, orange zest and juice, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
  2. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through (do not boil).
  3. Stir in the brandy and continue to heat for another 5-10 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and strain the mulled wine into mugs.
  5. Garnish with orange slices and cinnamon sticks before serving.

Helpful Tips:

  • Use a good quality red wine for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey to taste.
  • Feel free to customize the spices to suit your preferences.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

  1. Let the mulled wine simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  2. For a stronger citrus flavor, add more orange zest and juice to the mixture.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve mulled wine with a side of spiced nuts or a cheese platter for a perfect pairing. It also pairs well with gingerbread cookies or a warm apple pie.

Mulled Wine

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftover mulled wine in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, taking care not to boil the mixture again to preserve the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use white wine instead of red wine? While red wine is traditional for mulled wine, you can experiment with white wine for a different flavor profile.
  2. Is it necessary to add brandy? Brandy adds depth to the mulled wine, but you can omit it if preferred.
  3. Can I make mulled wine in advance? Yes, you can prepare the mulled wine ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
  4. What other spices can I add to the mix? Feel free to experiment with cloves, nutmeg, or allspice for added warmth and complexity.

Conclusion:

Warm up your evenings with a comforting mug of mulled wine. With its enticing aroma and delicious flavors, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Give it a try and let us know how you like it!

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Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine

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Warm up with this cozy mulled wine recipe, featuring a blend of red wine, apple cider, and aromatic spices like cloves, cinnamon, and star anise. Perfect for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings.

  • Author: Touria Elkoudssi
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Various
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 750 ml dry, fruity red wine (Merlot, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 orange (zested and juiced)

Spices:

  • 5 whole cloves
  • 4 green cardamom pods
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 whole star anise

Additional:

  • ¼ cup brandy
  • Orange slices for garnish
  • Cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine red wine, apple cider, honey, orange zest, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise.
  2. Simmer: Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes. Do not bring to a boil.
  3. Add Brandy: Stir in brandy and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
  4. Serve: Strain the mulled wine and serve hot, garnished with orange slices and cinnamon sticks.

Notes

  • You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your preference.
  • Feel free to experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique flavor profile.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
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