Holiday Spiced Mulled Wine
Warm up your holidays with this fragrant mulled wine, blending red wine, apple juice, and seasonal spices. The recipe is quick, comforting, and perfect for cozy gatherings.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Heat‑resistant measuring cups
- Ladle
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bottle dry red wine (750 ml, 5 oz)
- 1 cup apple juice
- 2 Tbsp honey (120 ml)
- 1 orange, thinly sliced (approx. 1 inch thick)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (approx. 1 inch thick)
- 4 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated (60 ml)
- 2 cinnamon sticks cinnamon sticks (≈ 2 in)
- 4 whole cloves whole cloves (≈ 1 in)
- 1 star anise star anise (≈ 1 in)
- 1 tsp whole nutmeg (≈ 5 ml)
Optional Pantry Tweak
- ½ cup orange liqueur instead of apple juice
Instructions
Step One: Warm the Base
- Pour the wine and apple juice into the saucepan and gently heat over low to medium heat. Stir with a whisk to help the honey dissolve.
- Tip: Use low heat to preserve the wine’s delicate fruit notes; avoid boiling.
Step Two: Introduce the Spices
- Add the spice blend, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and nutmeg to the pot. Let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Tip: Skimming off any foam keeps the wine silky.
Step Three: Add Citrus and Sweetness
- Fold in the sliced orange, lemon, and a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Stir in the honey until fully blended.
- Tip: If you prefer a sweeter profile, add an extra tablespoon of honey.
Step Four: Simmer and Infuse
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mulled wine gently simmer for 20–25 minutes. The aromatics will marry, producing a fragrant, velvety sauce.
- Tip: Cover the pot halfway to prevent evaporation while retaining aroma.
Step Five: Strain and Serve
- Use a fine‑mesh sieve to strain the mixture into a heat‑resistant mug or small carafe. Discard solids.
- Tip: Warm your serving glasses first for a hotter experience.
Notes
Pro tips
- Keep the heat low to preserve nuanced fruit flavors.
- Use a glass carafe to let the aroma linger and steam dance.
- A splash of brandy or rum can add depth if desired.
- Serve with a cinnamon stick or orange slice as a garnish.
- Add a pinch of cardamom for a subtle twist.
- Keep the heat low to preserve nuanced fruit flavors.
- Use a glass carafe to let the aroma linger and steam dance.
- A splash of brandy or rum can add depth if desired.
- Serve with a cinnamon stick or orange slice as a garnish.
- Add a pinch of cardamom for a subtle twist.