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Irresistible Mulled Wine Recipe Perfect for Cozy Winter Nights

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A warm and cozy mulled wine recipe featuring a blend of spices, citrus, and honey, perfect for winter celebrations and chilly evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml / 25 oz) red wine (fruity, medium-bodied like Merlot or Zinfandel)
  • 1 large orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 small lemon, thinly sliced
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 6–8 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise pods (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup, to taste)
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • Optional: splash of brandy or orange liqueur (1-2 tablespoons)
  • Optional: handful of cranberries

Instructions

  1. Rinse the orange and lemon well. Slice into thin rounds about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick and set aside, removing seeds to prevent bitterness.
  2. In a large saucepan, pour 1 cup (240 ml) of water. Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and sliced ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and steep for 10 minutes to infuse the spices.
  3. Lower heat to medium-low. Pour in the full bottle of red wine and add the sliced orange and lemon rounds. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Stir in 3 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. Taste after a few minutes and adjust sweetness if needed, ensuring it is pleasantly sweet but not syrupy.
  5. Keep the wine just below a simmer with tiny bubbles around the edges but no rolling boil. Let it mull for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors without boiling off alcohol.
  6. Optional: Stir in a splash (1-2 tablespoons) of brandy or orange liqueur for extra kick.
  7. Remove from heat. Strain the mulled wine through a fine mesh strainer into heatproof mugs or glasses, removing spices and citrus slices if preferred.
  8. Garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick or star anise pod. Serve warm and enjoy slowly.

Notes

Simmer gently without boiling to preserve alcohol and delicate flavors. Use whole spices to avoid gritty texture. Thinly slice citrus to prevent bitterness. Adjust sweetness with honey or maple syrup to taste. Can be made ahead and reheated gently without boiling. For non-alcoholic version, substitute wine with grape and cranberry juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: mulled wine, Glühwein, winter drink, holiday beverage, warm wine, spiced wine, cozy drink, Christmas drink

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/irresistible-mulled-wine-recipe-perfect-for-cozy-winter-nights/