As the winter chill settles in, there’s a comforting ritual in filling your home with the warm spices of mulled wine. This seasonal drink, with its blend of red wine, citrus, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, has been a staple of festive gatherings for centuries. Mulled wine evokes a sense of calm and coziness, inviting us to slow down and savor the moment. Whether shared with friends at a holiday gathering or enjoyed solo on a quiet evening, it’s the perfect beverage to reflect on the year gone by and set the tone for the new one ahead.
This mulled wine recipe is an easy way to bring that festive warmth to your home, elevating any occasion with its aromatic depth and subtle sweetness. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a beverage that’s as fragrant as it is flavorful. Dive into this cozy recipe that brings both comfort and joy, inviting you to embrace the season with a full heart and a warm cup in hand.
What is the best wine for mulled wine?
When crafting the perfect mulled wine, two specific wines bring forward the most ideal flavors. Zinfandel and merlot are generally best, according to expert Grant Hemingway, a winemaker and founder of Libby, a California-grown bubbled wine brand. The two wines create notably different tastes when added to mulled wine, so choose the wine that fits the occasion.
- Zinfandel. The red wine is most widely used in mulled wine. With a jammy, fruity flavor minus the drying tannin structure you find in bigger reds, it’s perfectly suited to craft the perfect mulled wine recipe.
- Merlot. Tends to be more supple and velvety. Try venturing into the more fruit-forward options versus something more structured. You want that sweet spot between something that doesn’t have too much structure and something that’s not too light-bodied.
Mulled Wine Recipe Tips
- Experiment with spices. Go beyond cinnamon and cloves by adding star anise, cardamom pods, ginger slices, or nutmeg for a unique flavor profile.
- Incorporate fresh fruits. Adding seasonal fruits like orange slices, apple chunks, or pomegranate seeds enhances the flavor of your wine and adds visual appeal.
- Mix up Your citruses. In addition to oranges, consider adding lemon or grapefruit for a zesty twist that can brighten the overall flavor.
- Vary the sweetener. The use of different sweeteners, like agave syrup or coconut sugar, can create a unique flavor and adjust the overall sweetness.
- Try a non-alcoholic version. Substitute your wine with an NA option and add the same spices and fruits for a rich and flavorful mocktail.
Description
This mulled wine recipe is coziness in a mug. Simply simmer all of your ingredients for a warm and spiced seasonal sip.
- 1 bottle of dry red wine
- 1/3 cup brandy
- 2 oranges, sliced into rounds
- 8 whole cloves
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 4 star anise
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- For garnish: orange slices and cinnamon sticks
- In a large saucepan, add all ingredients and stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer over medium hit, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer for at least 30 minutes and up to 3 hours.
- Strain out the orange slices and spices, then serve warm in mugs. Garnish with orange slices and cinnamon sticks.