Mulled Wine Recipe: 7 Reasons You’ll Fall in Love Recipe

Introduction

Mulled wine is a warm, spiced drink perfect for cozy evenings and festive gatherings. This classic recipe combines red wine with citrus and aromatic spices to create a comforting beverage you’ll want to make again and again.

A clear glass mug filled with a dark red liquid, showing two visible layers: a deeper red layer at the bottom and a slightly lighter red layer on top. Floating on the surface are two cinnamon sticks standing upright and several star anise pieces spread evenly. There are two bright orange slices partially submerged, one lying flat near the bottom and another resting upright against the rim of the glass. The mug is placed on a wooden surface with a soft focus background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle of red wine
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1/4 cup of sugar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise
  • 1/4 cup of brandy (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pour the red wine into a large pot.
  2. Step 2: Add the sliced orange and lemon.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
  4. Step 4: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it is warm but not boiling.
  5. Step 5: Add brandy if desired.
  6. Step 6: Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Strain the spices and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • Use a fruity red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel for a richer flavor.
  • Adjust the sugar to taste or substitute with honey for a different sweetness.
  • Add a few slices of fresh ginger for a spicy kick.
  • Serve with a cinnamon stick garnish for an extra festive touch.

Storage

Store leftover mulled wine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid boiling off the alcohol and flavors.

How to Serve

A clear glass mug filled with dark red liquid, topped with several thin orange slices with a bright yellow rim, and whole star anise pods floating on top. A single cinnamon stick rests among the orange slices and star anise, adding texture and a warm brown color to the mix. The drink is placed on a white marbled surface with soft natural light casting gentle shadows around it, highlighting the glossy surface of the liquid and the vibrant colors of the garnishes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make mulled wine ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and gently reheat before serving. Avoid boiling when reheating to maintain the best taste.

What type of wine works best in mulled wine?

Choose a medium to full-bodied red wine with fruity notes, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Zinfandel, for the best flavor.

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Mulled Wine Recipe: 7 Reasons You’ll Fall in Love Recipe

This cozy Mulled Wine recipe combines red wine with warm spices and citrus for a comforting, aromatic drink perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. Infused with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and a hint of brandy, it’s a classic winter warmer that will quickly become your favorite seasonal treat.

  • Author: reem
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: European

Ingredients

Scale

Wine and Spirits

  • 1 bottle of red wine (750ml)
  • 1/4 cup of brandy (optional)

Fruit

  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced

Spices and Sweeteners

  • 1/4 cup of sugar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise

Instructions

  1. Pour Wine: Pour the bottle of red wine into a large pot to serve as the base for your mulled wine.
  2. Add Citrus: Add the sliced orange and lemon to the pot to infuse fresh, zesty flavors into the wine.
  3. Mix in Spices and Sugar: Stir in the sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise to build the warm, spiced aroma characteristic of mulled wine.
  4. Heat Slowly: Heat the mixture over medium heat, warming it gently until it is hot but does not reach a boil to preserve the wine’s flavor and prevent bitterness.
  5. Add Brandy (Optional): If you like, add 1/4 cup of brandy for an extra warming kick and deeper flavor complexity.
  6. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing the spices and citrus to infuse fully into the wine.
  7. Strain and Serve: Strain out the spices and fruit slices before serving the mulled wine warm in mugs or heatproof glasses.

Notes

  • Do not allow the mulled wine to boil to avoid evaporation of alcohol and bitterness.
  • Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to taste.
  • For alcohol-free version, use grape juice and reduce or omit brandy.
  • Serve with cinnamon sticks or orange slices as garnish for an attractive presentation.
  • Mulled wine can be kept warm on very low heat or in a slow cooker if serving for a crowd.

Keywords: mulled wine, warm wine recipe, holiday drink, spiced wine, winter beverage, Christmas drink

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