Mulled wine, a beloved beverage steeped in centuries of tradition, is a heartwarming concoction perfect for chilly evenings and festive gatherings. Originating in Europe, this spiced wine has long been cherished for its aromatic blend of flavors, combining red wine with a medley of spices and citrus fruits.
As it simmers gently on the stove, mulled wine fills the air with its irresistible aroma, inviting friends and family to gather ’round and share in its comforting warmth. Whether enjoyed as a traditional holiday treat or as a cozy indulgence on a winter’s night, mulled wine is sure to evoke feelings of comfort and conviviality.
Approving Mulled Wine Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Blender
- 1 Shaker
- 1 Glass
Ingredients
- 1 bottle 750 ml red wine (such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Malbec)
- 1/4 cup 50 g granulated sugar, or to taste
- 1 orange thinly sliced
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 3 star anise
- 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- Optional garnish: orange or lemon peel twists cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- In a large pot or saucepan, combine the red wine, sugar, orange slices, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and black peppercorns.
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Once the wine begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Ladle the mulled wine into heatproof glasses or mugs, making sure to include some of the fruit and spices in each serving. Optionally, garnish each glass with a twist of orange or lemon peel and a cinnamon stick for added flair.
- Serve the mulled wine hot and enjoy its comforting warmth and aromatic flavors.
Notes
- Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences. You can also use honey or maple syrup as alternative sweeteners.
- Variations: Experiment with different spices and fruits to customize the flavor of your mulled wine. Some popular additions include ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and cranberries.
WHICH IS THE BEST WINE TO USE?
When selecting a wine for mulled wine, it’s best to choose a full-bodied red wine with robust flavors that can stand up to the spices and sweetness added during the mulling process. Here are a few options that work well:
- Merlot: With its smooth texture and fruity flavors of plum and cherry, Merlot is a popular choice for mulled wine. Its medium body and soft tannins make it a versatile option that pairs nicely with the spices and citrus fruits.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its bold flavors of blackcurrant, cedar, and spice, Cabernet Sauvignon adds depth and richness to mulled wine. Its firm tannins and long finish provide a solid backbone that holds up well against the mulling spices.
- Malbec: Malbec offers ripe fruit flavors of blackberry, plum, and raspberry, along with hints of spice and chocolate. Its medium to full body and velvety texture make it a luxurious choice for mulled wine, adding complexity and warmth to the drink.
- Zinfandel: Zinfandel is known for its jammy fruit flavors, spicy notes, and robust character, making it a bold and flavorful option for mulled wine. Its high alcohol content and intense flavors can withstand the addition of spices and sweeteners, resulting in a rich and satisfying drink.
CAN I ALTERNATE THE SPICES?
Absolutely! One of the joys of making mulled wine is the flexibility to experiment with different spices to tailor the flavor to your liking. While traditional mulled wine recipes typically include spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, there’s no limit to the combinations you can create. Here are some alternative spices you can try:
- Ginger: Fresh or ground ginger adds a warm, spicy kick and a subtle heat to mulled wine. Use it sparingly, as it can be quite potent.
- Cardamom: Cardamom lends a citrusy, floral aroma and a slightly sweet flavor to mulled wine. Crush whole cardamom pods or use ground cardamom for convenience.
- Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg adds a fragrant, nutty flavor that complements the other spices in mulled wine. Be sure to use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way.
- Allspice: Allspice combines flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, adding depth and complexity to mulled wine. Use whole allspice berries or ground allspice for convenience.
- Vanilla: Vanilla beans or extract can add a rich, sweet aroma and flavor to mulled wine. Split a vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds, or simply add a splash of vanilla extract.
- Peppercorns: Whole black peppercorns or pink peppercorns can add a subtle heat and a hint of spice to mulled wine. Use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.