Description
A cozy and aromatic Warm Spiced Red Mulled Wine recipe that combines dry red wine with brandy, fresh orange slices, and warming spices like cloves, cinnamon, and star anise. Sweetened with honey or sugar and enhanced with vanilla extract, this classic winter beverage is gently simmered to meld flavors and served hot, perfect for festive gatherings or chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750ml) of dry red wine
- 1/4 cup of brandy
- 1/4 cup of honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Fresh Ingredients
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
Spices
- 8 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise
Optional Garnishes
- Additional orange slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Star anise
Instructions
- Combine Wine and Brandy. Begin by pouring the entire bottle of dry red wine into a large saucepan or pot, then add the brandy to enrich the flavors and depth of the mulled wine.
- Add Orange Slices. Thinly slice the orange into rounds and add them directly into the pot; these will infuse the wine with bright citrus notes.
- Introduce Spices. Drop in the whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise into the wine mixture to imbue it with warm, aromatic flavors.
- Sweeten the Wine. Stir in the honey or sugar until fully dissolved, adjusting sweetness to taste to balance the spices and acidity.
- Add Vanilla Extract. Pour in the vanilla extract to enhance the aroma and add a subtle smoothness to the flavor profile.
- Heat the Mixture. Place the pot over medium heat and slowly bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, taking care to avoid boiling to prevent alcohol evaporation.
- Simmer to Meld Flavors. Reduce the heat to low once simmering, allowing the mulled wine to gently simmer for at least 20 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning. Taste the mulled wine and adjust spices or sweetness if desired for a perfectly balanced cup.
- Strain and Serve. Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the spices and orange slices, then pour the warm wine into mugs or heatproof glasses.
- Garnish and Present. Garnish with additional orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or star anise to serve your guests an inviting and festive drink.
Notes
- Do not let the wine boil to preserve alcohol content and avoid burning the flavors.
- Adjust the sweetness and spices according to personal preference.
- Use a sturdy pot that can hold the entire liquid volume comfortably.
- The mulled wine can be kept warm on low heat or reheated gently if needed.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute wine and brandy with grape juice and a splash of apple cider vinegar, heating with the spices similarly.
