Mulled Red Wine Recipe

There’s nothing like a cozy evening in with a steaming mug of homemade mulled wine, where the warmth of spices and rich notes of red wine make every sip feel like a hug.

There is nothing that compares to the comfort of a rich, aromatic mug of mulled red wine on a cold evening. For me, dry red wine is the base that holds together my ideal concoction of mulled wine: the kind that warms the very cockles of my heart.

It is made with the spices my mother always used (cinnamon sticks and cloves), a touch of brandy, and sweetened with honey.

Mulled Red Wine Recipe Ingredients

• Dry Red Wine: Rich in antioxidants that may benefit heart health.
• Brandy: Adds warmth and a hint of sweetness.
• Orange: Provides a refreshing citrus aroma, high in vitamin C.
• Honey or Sugar: Balances the wine’s acidity with sweetness.
• Cloves: Offer a warm, spicy note with potential anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cinnamon Sticks: Enhances flavor with spice and aids digestibility.
• Star Anise: Infuses a licorice-like essence, high in antioxidants.

Mulled Red Wine Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 (750ml) bottle of dry red wine
• 1/4 cup of brandy
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1/4 cup of honey or sugar
• 8 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 star anise
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Optional garnishes: additional orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and whole star anise

How to Make this Mulled Red Wine Recipe

1. Empty the bottle of dry red wine into a large saucepan or pot.

2. Place the wine in the saucepan and add the brandy.

3. Cut the orange into sections and place them in the pan.

4. Add the honey or sugar to the mixture and stir until it has completely dissolved.

5. Include the entire cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise in the solution.

6. Set the heat to medium and tenderly warm the composition. Do not let it approach the boiling point.

7. When the mixture is warm, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This will enable the flavors to meld.

8. Mix well after adding the vanilla extract.

9. Adjust sweetness to taste, adding more honey or sugar if you wish.

10. Pour the strained mulled wine into mugs. Optionally, you may garnish the wine with orange slices, whole star anise, or cinnamon sticks. Serve the wine hot. Enjoy!

Mulled Red Wine Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large saucepan or pot
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Stirring spoon
5. Measuring cup
6. Teaspoon
7. Strainer or sieve
8. Mugs for serving

FAQ

• Can I use a sweet red wine instead of dry?Using a sweet red wine is acceptable, but it will influence the overall sweetness of the dish. If you choose a sweet wine, consider cutting back on the honey or sugar.
• What type of brandy should I use?An ordinary brandy is suitable, yet you may try flavored brandies, such as apple or cherry, for an unforgettable variation.
• Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?Certainly! You have the option to use sugar, agave syrup, or maple syrup as substitutes. Modify the quantity to suit your palate.
• How long should I simmer the wine?Heat the wine slowly for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep it under the boiling point to retain the alcohol.
• Can this recipe be made non-alcoholic?Yes, replace the wine with grape juice and skip the brandy to make a non-alcoholic version of mulled wine.
• Is it necessary to strain the spices before serving?It is advised to filter the spices to prevent having them in your cup, but it’s a matter of personal choice.
• How should I store leftovers?Keep any surplus food in the fridge for a maximum of three days. Warm it up on the cooktop when you’re prepared to dish it out once more.

Mulled Red Wine Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Brandy: Use rum or port to achieve substitute effects with different flavor profiles.
Orange: Use slices of lemon or clementines as an alternative option for citrus.
Replace honey or sugar with maple syrup or agave syrup for a unique sweetness.
Whole cloves: You can use ground cloves, but reduce the amount to about 1/4 teaspoon.
Vanilla extract: Substitute with a vanilla bean or a slight amount of vanilla powder.

Pro Tips

1. To enhance the flavor profile, consider using a high-quality, full-bodied dry red wine as the base. Varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well.

2. For a richer and more complex taste, let the mulled wine sit off the heat for up to an hour before gently reheating and serving. This resting time allows the spices to infuse deeper into the wine.

3. Consider adding a splash of apple cider for a subtle sweetness and fruitiness that complements the existing ingredients.

4. If you prefer a slightly spicier version, add a few slices of fresh ginger to the pot along with the other spices during simmering.

5. For a non-alcoholic variation, replace the red wine with grape juice and reduce the brandy to a couple of tablespoons, or simply leave it out, while following the same method.