This holiday party hero is incredibly easy to make in large quantities, ensuring everyone at your party can enjoy a warm, spiced sip of cheer as they step in from the cold. As a bonus, it also acts as a fragrant simmer pot, making your whole house smell lovely for your holiday gatherings! For more holiday drink recipes, check out my homemade Eggnog, the best Hot Chocolate recipe, and Peppermint Martini.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Red wine — any affordable full-bodied bottle of wine works wonderfully for mulling. You can choose a dry red or a fruity red depending on your preference. I like using Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir but the best wine to use is whatever you enjoy drinking. Brandy — for adding depth and warmth. When choosing a brandy, opt for a decent-quality one that you’d enjoy drinking on its own. Aged rum, cognac, grand marnier, or apple brandy can work as well. Orange — orange slices not only add a bright pop of color to this holiday season favorite but also impart their zesty flavor. While I prefer using sliced fresh oranges, you can use about ¼ cup of orange juice in a pinch. Whole spices — the aromatic combination of star anise pods, whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks is what gives this hot wine its classic holiday flavor profile. Honey or maple syrup — adding a hint of sweetness helps to soften the edges of this potent elixir. You’re also welcome to use agave if you’d like.
How To Make Mulled Wine
- In a medium pot or saucepan, combine the wine and brandy.
- Add the remaining ingredients with enough sweetener to taste.
- Bring to a simmer over medium or medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from the heat. Serve immediately or keep warm.
- Garnish each mug with a fresh orange slice, cinnamon stick, and star anise pod.
Pro Tips For Making This Recipe
Don’t shy away from using boxed wine. It’s a budget-friendly option that can be surprisingly good quality. Look for a medium-bodied red with fruity notes, as it will meld well with the spices. Save the expensive wine for enjoying by the glass! For parties, let your slow cooker do the work. Slow-cooking the mulled wine on a low setting not only infuses the flavors more deeply but also keeps it at the perfect sipping temperature throughout your event. Set up a serve-yourself drink station with a ladle, mugs, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks for garnish. Simmer, don’t boil. When heating your spiced wine, aim for a gentle simmer and avoid boiling. Boiling can evaporate the alcohol, concentrate the wine, and alter the flavors of the spices. Tie your spices in a cheesecloth bag before adding them to the wine to make it easy to remove them when the flavor is just right, preventing over-spicing. Get creative! Adding fruits like apple slices, cranberries, or even pomegranate seeds can give an extra layer of flavor and make your hot cocktail visually appealing. For a sweeter beverage, add apple juice to taste.
If you’ve tried this Mulled Wine recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
