Ingredients
Mulled Wine Ingredients
- 1 (750 ml) bottle of dry red wine
- 1/4 cup brandy (or orange liqueur)
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds (peel if you prefer less bitterness)
- 8 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 2 to 4 tablespoons sugar, honey, or maple syrup (or preferred sweetener)
Optional Garnishes
- Citrus slices (orange, lemon, and/or lime)
- Extra cinnamon sticks
- Extra star anise
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, add the dry red wine, brandy or orange liqueur, orange slices, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and 2 tablespoons of your chosen sweetener. Stir briefly to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and heat until the mixture just barely reaches a simmer. Be careful not to let it boil, as boiling will evaporate the alcohol and alter the flavor profile. Once it reaches a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan.
- Infuse Flavors: Allow the wine to simmer gently for at least 15 minutes and up to 3 hours. This slow simmering process infuses the wine with the warm spices and citrus zest, creating a deeply aromatic and flavorful mulled wine.
- Strain the Wine: After simmering, use a fine mesh strainer to remove and discard the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Taste the mulled wine and add additional sweetener if desired, stirring well to dissolve.
- Serve Warm: Pour the mulled wine into heatproof mugs or glasses. Garnish with your choice of citrus slices, extra cinnamon sticks, or star anise for an elegant and festive presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy its comforting warmth.
Notes
- Do not boil the mulled wine to preserve the alcohol content and avoid bitterness.
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more sugar, honey, or maple syrup as needed.
- Peeling the orange before slicing can reduce bitterness in the final drink.
- Mulled wine can simmer gently for up to 3 hours to deepen the flavor; just keep it warm on low heat.
- Use a sturdy heatproof mug to safely serve the hot beverage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European
