Mulled Wine Recipe

Warm and fragrant mulled wine made with dry red wine, brandy, citrus, and aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Perfect for holidays or cozy winter nights, this easy recipe is customizable with your favorite sweeteners and garnishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 (750 ml) bottle dry red wine
• 1/4 cup brandy or orange liqueur
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds (for milder flavor, peel before slicing)
• 8 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 2 to 4 tablespoons sugar, honey, or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Optional garnishes: citrus slices (orange, lemon, lime), extra cinnamon sticks, star anise

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Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the red wine, brandy, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and 2 tablespoons of your chosen sweetener. Stir briefly to mix.
2. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture just begins to simmer. Avoid boiling to preserve the alcohol content and flavors.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for at least 15 minutes, up to 3 hours, allowing the spices to infuse.
4. Strain the mulled wine through a fine mesh strainer to remove the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
5. Taste and add more sweetener if desired, stirring until dissolved.
6. Serve warm in heatproof mugs, garnished with citrus slices or additional spices as preferred.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm and Spiced: Perfect for chilly evenings, this mulled wine combines fragrant spices with rich red wine.
• Customizable Sweetness: Adjust sweetness and spice levels to match your taste preferences.
• Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and easy steps make it an accessible festive drink.

Tips

• Use a good quality dry red wine for best flavor results.
• Keep the heat low after simmering begins to avoid boiling off alcohol and losing flavor.
• Stir occasionally while simmering to blend the spices well.

Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute brandy with rum or whiskey for a different flavor twist.
• Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a richer sweetness.
• Add fresh ginger slices or a vanilla pod for extra aroma.

FAQs

1. Can mulled wine be made ahead?
   Yes, prepare in advance and reheat gently before serving.
2. How long can mulled wine be stored?
   Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently without boiling.
3. Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
   Substitute wine with grape juice or cranberry juice and follow the same steps.

Serving and Suggestions

• Serve warm in mugs with cinnamon sticks or citrus slices for garnish.
• Pair with holiday cookies, roasted nuts, or cheese platters.
• Perfect for winter parties, holiday gatherings, or cozy nights at home.