Holiday Mulled Wine
Get into the holiday spirit with a taste of our amazing Mulled Holiday Wine. This festive drink combines red wine with a blend of spices, making a warm and cozy drink that perfectly suits winter get-togethers. Prepare to add a bit of spice and a lot of joy to your holiday celebrations!
Servings: 6
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
Note: It's crucial not to boil the mulled wine, as boiling can cause
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!
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!