Our straightforward mulled wine recipe is your ticket to warmth! Combine red wine, orange slices, spices, and some brandy for the ultimate winter cocktail.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
5 minutes
Servings:
4
Calories:
263
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Red Wine
- 1 orange - sliced, with the skin still on
- 5 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 4 tablespoons sugar or honey
- 1 pinch grated nutmeg - optional
- 2 oz Brandy - optional
Equipment
- Large Pot or Slow Cooker
- Ladle
- Heatproof Glasses
Instructions
- Prep Pot: Pour 1 bottle Red Wine into a large pot or slow cooker.
- Add Spices: Toss in 5 whole cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise, and optionally 1 pinch grated nutmeg.
- Add Orange: Put in the sliced orange of 1 orange.
- Sweeten: Stir in 4 tablespoons sugar or honey.
- Simmer: Let everything simmer on low heat for at least 15 minutes but not more than 3 hours. Be careful to not boil the wine, otherwise the alcohol will evaporate.
- Optional: Stir in 2 oz Brandy.
- Strain: Strain the mulled wine to remove the spices and orange slices. This will leave you with a clear, flavorful drink.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Red Wine: You can use white wine or apple cider for a different flavor profile if you don't have red wine. I've also used cranberry juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- Sugar/Honey: Feel free to substitute with your preferred sweetener. Agave syrup works well as a vegan option.
- Brandy: This is optional, but use bourbon or Rum if you want warmth and depth. For a sweeter version, Triple Sec or amaretto can also be a great addition.
Making a Pitcher of Mulled Wine:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, you'll need two bottles of wine and double all the other ingredients.
- Mix: In a large pot, combine all the ingredients and let them simmer on low heat for at least 15 minutes, but not more than 3 hours.
- Serve: Ladle the mulled wine into individual heatproof glasses, straining out the spices.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Wine Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic red wine or cranberry juice instead of regular wine.
Making it Vegan:
- Sweetener: Replace the honey with a vegan sweetener like agave or maple syrup.
What is a Mulled Wine?
A Mulled Wine is a traditional warm cocktail made of red wine, various mulling spices, and sometimes raisins. It’s not difficult to make, it just requires a bit of patience. The process involves gently heating the wine and spices together, which releases the aromatic compounds in the spices to create a flavorful and fragrant drink.
What is a Mulled Wine made of – The ingredients
If you want to make a Mulled Wine, here’s what you’ll need:
- Red Wine: Forms the drink’s base, providing a rich and robust flavor.
- Orange: Adds a citrusy note, balancing the sweetness of the wine.
- Cloves: Infuse the wine with a warm, spicy aroma.
- Star Anise: Contributes an additional layer of spice and a hint of licorice flavor.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Provide a sweet-spicy taste that complements the wine’s natural flavors.
- Sugar or Honey: Sweetens the drink to counterbalance the tartness of the wine and citrus.
- Brandy or Rum (optional): Enhances the mulled wine’s overall strength and depth of flavor.
- Nutmeg (optional): Adding a nutty and slightly sweet spice enhances complexity.
