Simple & Spiced Mulled Wine to Cuddle Up With Recipe
This Simple & Spiced Mulled Wine recipe is a cozy, warming beverage perfect for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings. Infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, alongside fresh orange juice and zest, this classic mulled wine offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice to cuddle up with.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European
Ingredients
Scale
Mulled Wine Base
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup cane sugar
- ½ cup orange juice, preferably without pulp
- 750 ml red wine (Merlot recommended, vegan wine options suggested in notes)
Spices and Flavorings
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 1 orange (whole, for zest and garnish)
- 10 whole cloves
Instructions
- Prepare the Orange: Wash the orange thoroughly. Use a peeler or a knife to cut strips of the orange peel, avoiding the bitter white pith. Set aside the peel for infusion and use the rest for juicing.
- Combine Water and Sugar: In a large pot, add ¾ cup of water and ¼ cup of cane sugar. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved to create a simple syrup base for the mulled wine.
- Add Orange Juice and Spices: Pour in ½ cup of fresh orange juice and add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, and orange peels into the syrup. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to allow spices to release their flavors.
- Incorporate the Red Wine: Pour in the 750 ml of red wine (Merlot preferred). Heat the mixture slowly, avoiding boiling, and keep it at a low simmer. Allow the wine and spices to mingle for 15-20 minutes so the flavors blend perfectly.
- Serve Warm: Remove the pot from heat and strain the mulled wine to remove the spices and peels. Pour the warm mulled wine into heatproof glasses or mugs. Garnish with a fresh orange slice or a cinnamon stick if desired. Enjoy your cozy spiced drink!
Notes
- Merlot is recommended for its smooth and fruity characteristics that complement the spices well.
- For a vegan version, ensure to use a certified vegan wine as some wines use animal-derived fining agents.
- Mulled wine should be heated gently and not boiled to preserve the alcohol content and prevent bitterness.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet beverage.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger groups and kept warm in a slow cooker on low heat.
Keywords: mulled wine, spiced wine, holiday drinks, warm beverage, winter drinks, cozy drink