s the winter chill settles in, there’s really nothing like a warm cup of mulled wine to make you feel cozy inside. This classic drink is a holiday favourite—perfect for those chilly nights when you just want to snuggle up with a cup of something delicious. Mulled wine has such a lovely history, and its mix of spices always seems to hit the spot.
But what if you want to share that holiday cheer with everyone, even the little ones? You can absolutely enjoy all the wonderful flavours without the alcohol! I’ve got a great non-alcoholic version that keeps all the festive goodness but makes it family-friendly.
So, let’s whip up this festive drink together! It’s a great way to make winter feel a little warmer, and best of all, it’s a treat that everyone can enjoy.
Understanding the Magic of Mulled Wine
Mulled wine isn’t just your average drink; it’s a cosy tradition with centuries of history. Originally from Europe, this winter favourite brings together red wine, warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and a zesty citrus kick. While the classic version comes with a little alcohol, don’t worry—I’ve got a tasty alternative that keeps all the festive flavours, minus the spirits. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the season’s warmth without the buzz!
Recipe for Kid-Friendly Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine
Ingredients:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 4 cups of cranberry juice
- 1 cup orange or pomegranate juice
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole cloves
- 2-3 star anise pods
- 1-2 oranges, sliced
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste if using unsweetened juices)
- Optional garnish: orange or lemon slices, cinnamon sticks
Instructions:
- Grab a saucepan and pour in the apple or cranberry juice over medium heat.
- Toss in those cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise pods, orange slices and nutmeg or any other spices you may like to add.
- Sweeten the mix by stirring in honey or maple syrup to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes – don’t let it reach a boil!
- Once it fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma, take it off the heat.
- Strain out the spices and citrus slices from the liquid.
- Serve the non-alcoholic mulled wine warm in mugs or heatproof glasses.
- If you’re feeling fancy, add a slice of orange or some cranberries and a cinnamon stick to each mug for a festive touch.
For the alcoholic version, scroll down.
Benefits of Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine for Kids
- Kids get to soak in the holiday spirit with enticing aromas and flavours minus the alcohol.
- This spiced drink offers a warm hug on chilly days without the worry of spirits.
- Making this version creates an inclusive family moment where everyone can partake in the seasonal delight.
Who says the joy of mulled wine should be reserved for grown-ups? With this non-alcoholic twist, kids can savour all the holiday feels without a drop of alcohol. It’s time to gather ’round, inhale those wonderful aromas, and share a toast to cozy moments and togetherness!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Wine Selection: Choose a red wine that you would enjoy drinking on its own. Something fruity and robust like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works well. Avoid using expensive wines as the spices and other ingredients will alter its flavour.
- Temperature Control: When heating the mulled wine, be cautious not to let it boil. Boiling can lead to the evaporation of alcohol and result in a less flavourful drink.
- Sweetening: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. You can use honey, sugar, maple syrup, or other sweeteners. Start with a smaller quantity and add more gradually while tasting to achieve the desired sweetness.
- Spices: Experiment with the spices based on your preferences. Cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and citrus slices (orange, lemon) are traditional, but you can also consider adding cardamom pods, ginger, or nutmeg for additional depth of flavour.
- Brandy or Spirits (optional): Adding a splash of brandy or another spirit can enhance the depth and complexity of flavours. However, this is optional and can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
- Infusion Time: Allow the wine and spices to infuse gently. Longer infusion times typically result in richer flavours, so letting it steep for at least 15-20 minutes on low heat (or in a slow cooker) can yield better results.
- Garnishes: While optional, garnishing each serving with fresh citrus slices (like orange or lemon) and a cinnamon stick not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the aromatic experience.
- Straining: Before serving, strain the mulled wine to remove the spices and fruit slices. This ensures a smoother drink without the grittiness of spices in each sip.
- Slow Cooker Convenience: Using a slow cooker offers convenience and keeps the mulled wine warm for a more extended period without the risk of overboiling. It’s perfect for parties or gatherings.
- Preparation in Advance: You can prepare the mulled wine in advance and reheat it gently when needed. This allows the flavours to meld even more, resulting in a more robust and well-integrated drink.
Remember, making mulled wine is a flexible process, so feel free to adjust the ingredients and quantities based on your taste preferences. Enjoy the process of creating this delightful and warming beverage, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your own spin on this classic recipe! Here’s to a flavourful, alcohol-free celebration filled with the true essence of the season!
Below is the recipe for the alcohol version. Cheers and enjoy!
Holiday Mulled Wine
Ingredients
- 750 ml I bottle of red wine (use a bold and fruity variety like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
- 1 orange (organic if possible). sliced
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional for added depth)
- 1/4 cup honey or sweetener of your choice (adjust to taste)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole clove
- 3 star anise pod
- Optional garnish: orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, rosemary, fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Pour the red wine into a large saucepan over medium heat. Avoid boiling to prevent alcohol evaporation.
- Add the orange slices, brandy (if using), honey, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise into the saucepan.
- Stir the mixture gently to dissolve the sweetener. Let it simmer for around 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together. Make sure it doesn't come to a boil.
- Once it's warmed through and aromatic, reduce the heat to low or remove the saucepan from heat.
- Strain the mulled wine to remove the spices and orange slices.
- Serve the mulled wine warm in heatproof glasses or mugs. If desired, garnish each serving with a fresh slice of orange, a cinnamon stick, or a star anise pod.
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Pour the red wine into your slow cooker.
- Add the orange slices, brandy (if using), honey, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise into the slow cooker.
- Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
- Set the slow cooker to the “Low” setting and allow the mulled wine to warm up slowly. It typically takes about 1 to 2 hours for the flavours to meld together.
- Once warmed through and infused with the spices, reduce the slow cooker to the “Keep Warm” setting to maintain the ideal temperature without boiling.
- Prior to serving, you can use a ladle or a fine mesh strainer to remove the spices and citrus slices from the mulled wine.
- Serve the mulled wine warm in heatproof glasses or mugs.
- Optionally, garnish each serving with a fresh slice of orange, a cinnamon stick, or a star anise pod.
Notes
the alcohol to evaporate, affecting the taste and potency of the beverage. Note: It’s essential to monitor the slow cooker and avoid boiling the mulled wine. Keep it on the “Keep Warm” setting to maintain the flavours without evaporating the alcohol content. Using a slow cooker allows the spices to infuse gently into the wine, resulting in a rich and flavourful mulled wine that’s perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights in during the winter season. Enjoy responsibly and savour the delightful warmth of this comforting drink!