Get ready to transform your ordinary evening into a cozy, aromatic celebration with the most incredible mulled wine recipe that will make your taste buds dance and your home smell like a winter wonderland! This isn't just another drink – it's a magical potion that combines rich red wine, warming spices, and a touch of brandy to create the most comforting beverage you'll ever taste. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or looking to chase away the winter chills, this mulled wine recipe is about to become your new favorite cold-weather companion.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 orange, sliced
- 4 cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 star anise (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: one bottle of red wine, a quarter cup of brandy, a quarter cup of honey, one orange sliced into rounds, four cloves, two cinnamon sticks, and one star anise if desired.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, pour the entire bottle of red wine. Choose a wine that you enjoy drinking, as this will be the base of your mulled wine.
- Add the quarter cup of brandy to the saucepan. This will enhance the depth of flavor and add warmth to your mulled wine.
- Next, incorporate the quarter cup of honey. Stir gently to help dissolve the honey into the wine and brandy mixture.
- Take the sliced orange and add it to the saucepan, allowing the citrus notes to infuse into the wine.
- Drop in the four cloves and the two cinnamon sticks. If you're using star anise, add it now as well. These spices will give your mulled wine its characteristic warmth and aroma.
- Turn the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to heat gently. Avoid boiling, as you want to simmer the wine to release the flavors without cooking off the alcohol.
- Let the mulled wine simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the spices and orange to fully infuse their flavors into the wine.
- After 30 minutes, taste the mulled wine. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add more honey according to your taste.
- Once the mulled wine is ready, remove it from the heat. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices and orange slices.
- Serve the mulled wine hot in heatproof glasses or mugs. You can garnish each serving with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
- Enjoy your homemade mulled wine with friends or family, perfect for cozy evenings or holiday gatherings!
Tips
- • Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel – avoid expensive wines, but don't go for the cheapest option either. • Keep the heat low and gentle – boiling will cook off the alcohol and destroy the delicate flavors. • For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a few strips of orange zest or a vanilla bean. • Prepare this in advance and keep warm in a slow cooker for parties. • Don't skip the star anise if you can help it – it adds a beautiful depth to the overall flavor profile. • Serve in heat-safe glasses or mugs to showcase the beautiful color and prevent cracking. • Feel free to adjust the honey to your preferred sweetness level. • Leftover mulled wine can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated – it actually gets more flavorful overnight!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
