Mulled wine is a delicious and festive drink that’s easy to make. It’s also a great way to repurpose a sub-par bottle of wine into something tasty.
You can use a wide range of wines to make mulled wine, but we recommend sticking with a dry red like merlot or zinfandel. These are full-bodied and inexpensive, which is ideal for mulling recipes.
Ingredients
Mulled wine is a traditional drink that’s perfect for cozy evenings. It’s easy to make, and it will keep your house filled with a festive scent as it gently simmers on the stove.
The ingredients to make mulled wine include red wine, sugar, and a few spices. Depending on your personal taste, you can adjust the spices to make it even more delicious.
You can use any kind of red wine for this recipe, but mulled wine typically pairs well with robust wines that have notes of berry or other fruity flavors. A popular choice is a full-bodied dry red, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Zinfandel.
If you’re not a fan of alcohol, you can substitute grape juice for the wine in this recipe. However, you will lose some of the flavor and aroma of the red wine.
To add more flavor and depth to your mulled wine, you can also try adding a dash of pure maple syrup. This sweetener is much easier to dissolve than granular sugars and will add a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
You can also add a splash of brandy or rum, but you should keep the amount to a minimum. This will give your mulled wine an exciting kick and keep you from getting bored of it.
Another way to boost the flavor of your mulled wine is to add a little fresh citrus. Sliced oranges or lemons will give it a more festive look and add a fresh citrus taste that pairs well with the mulling spices.
Alternatively, you can add brightly colored fruit to your mulled wine, such as cherries or cranberries. This will add a burst of bright colors and festive flair that’ll have your guests asking for more!
You can also add a few whole spices to your mulled wine, such as cinnamon sticks and star anise pods. These are the most common and easiest to find, but you can also use a mixture of different spices and aromatics for a more customized drink.
Preparation
Mulled wine is a festive winter drink that’s sure to warm the whole house. This aromatic beverage combines red wine with a variety of mulling spices and citrus fruits.
Traditionally served hot, mulled wine is an easy treat to make and perfect for any holiday party. It’s also ideal for making ahead and keeping on hand as a quick treat when you need to get a little extra heat in your evening.
To prepare your mulled wine, start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need a few bottles of dry, fruity red wine and some mulling spices.
Choose a high-quality bottle of wine that has a nice balance of flavor and aroma. A cheap bottle won’t produce good results, so invest in a full-bodied option like Merlot or Grenache.
You’ll also need a few spices for this recipe, such as cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. These spices will give your mulled wine a sweet, nutty flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
It’s best to use whole spices, rather than ground ones. Grounded spices can leave a grit in the mulled wine and change the mouthfeel.
Another important tip is to keep your mulled wine on a low heat, so that it doesn’t boil over. If you overheat it, you risk cooking out all the alcohol in the wine, which can change the strength and flavor of the mulled wine.
Once your wine has boiled, add the mulling spices to the pot and simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then, turn off the heat and let it steep for at least an hour.
If you have any leftovers, store them in a jar or container. They’ll last up to three days in the refrigerator.
To keep the mulled wine hot and fragrant, you’ll need to stir it regularly. The longer you simmer it, the more flavor the spices will infuse into the liquid.
While this drink is typically made with red wine, you can also use white or rosé. Just make sure that you don’t add too much sugar to the mixture, or else it will become too diluted and watery.
Storing
Mulled wine can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. This saves you from having to worry about making a large batch of mulled wine at the last minute and also helps you avoid spending money on buying a new bottle.
Stored mulled wine can be kept for up to three days in the refrigerator, or up to five days if you’re using a spiced simple syrup. However, the longer you store it, the more likely it will be to become sour. This can lead to vinegar-like odors.
If you’re planning on storing your mulled wine in the refrigerator, make sure to keep it in an airtight container to help preserve its freshness. This will prevent any oxidation and keep it tasting and looking its best.
For added flavor, you can also add additional fruit and spices to your mulled wine. Citrus, like orange slices or a squeeze of lemon juice, and dried fruits such as pomegranate seeds will add a refreshing and festive finish to your winter punch.
You can also make a simple syrup ahead of time and use this to sweeten your mulled wine. This can be done up to two weeks in advance and stored in the fridge, saving you a step when you’re ready to serve your mulled wine.
Another way to store mulled wine is by placing it in a thermos. This is a great way to keep your mulled wine warm all night and easy to serve.
The best way to store mulled wine is by keeping it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but you can also freeze it. This is an excellent option if you plan on preparing your mulled wine in large batches, or if you’re hosting a big party and want to be able to serve multiple guests at the same time.
The storage of mulled wine can be a bit tricky, but it’s worth it to keep the drink fresh. If you’re making a large batch of mulled wines, be sure to store them in an airtight container so they don’t get too sour and develop vinegar-like odors.
Serving
Mulled wine is a winter favorite that’s easy to make at home. It’s a festive drink that can be enjoyed by friends and family during the holidays or anytime you want to warm up.
There are a variety of ingredients that you can use to make mulled wine. Some of the most popular choices include red wine, apple cider, citrus fruits and spices.
To serve mulled wine, pour it into a glass or heatproof bowl. Add a slice of orange or other fruit to each serving and garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise pod.
A good mulled wine should be sweet and slightly alcoholic, but not overpoweringly so. You can use sugar or a mixture of sugar and honey to add sweetness.
For a stronger drink, you can also add a higher-alcohol booze, such as brandy or bourbon. It can be a great way to make your wine more interesting and give it a boost of flavor.
Keep in mind that the alcohol can evaporate while cooking mulled wine, so you should monitor it closely. Over-cooking the wine will result in a bitter taste that won’t be pleasant to drink.
The best way to make mulled wine is to start with a high-quality, aromatic wine that you enjoy drinking. This will ensure that the flavor of your wine is showcased in the finished mulled wine.
To prepare the mulled wine, combine the wine with apple cider, orange slices or juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise and honey. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
You can also add different types of fruits to your mulled wine, like cranberries or apples. Cranberries add a sweet, tangy element while apples will lend the wine a light, fresh fruitiness.
Some people prefer to mix their mulled wine with other types of liquors as well, but be careful not to overdo it. It’s important to remember that the mulled wine will lose its alcohol as it simmers, so you should only add a small amount of liquor.