Traditional Spiced Mulled Wine

Name: Traditional Spiced Mulled Wine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 bottle of red wine (750ml); 1/4 cup brandy; 1/4 cup honey; 1 orange, sliced into rounds; 1 lemon, sliced into rounds; 6 whole cloves; 3 cinnamon sticks; 2 star anise; 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 1 vanilla pod, split; 8-10 whole black peppercorns

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 4

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When the chill of winter bites, there's nothing quite like a warm cup of Traditional Spiced Mulled Wine to lift your spirits. This recipe brings together rich, warming flavors that make any gathering feel cozy and special. Perfect for holiday festivities or a quiet evening by the fire.

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Ingredients for Traditional Spiced Mulled Wine

Red wine is the core of this recipe, providing a robust base. Choose a medium-bodied wine like Merlot or Shiraz for a balanced flavor. Brandy adds depth and warmth, complementing the spices. The sweetness of honey enhances the wine’s natural flavors without overpowering them. Fresh orange and lemon slices introduce a citrusy brightness, while cloves and cinnamon sticks infuse a comforting spice. Star anise offers a subtle licorice note, and a hint of freshly grated nutmeg rounds out the spice mix. The vanilla pod adds a smooth, creamy undertone. Finally, a few whole black peppercorns give a mild kick, enhancing the overall complexity of the drink.

Tips & Tricks

Use a wine you enjoy drinking on its own for the best results.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste.
Prepare in advance and let the flavors develop by making the mulled wine a day ahead, then gently reheat before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This spiced mulled wine pairs beautifully with a cheese platter, especially those featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie. It also complements savory appetizers like stuffed mushrooms or a hearty charcuterie board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a white wine instead?: Yes, but the flavor profile will be different. Choose a dry white wine and consider adding more citrus to balance the flavors.
Is there a non-alcoholic version?: Absolutely! Substitute the wine with grape juice and omit the brandy. Adjust the spices to taste.

Traditional Spiced Mulled Wine Recipe Walkthrough

Start by selecting a large pot to accommodate all the ingredients. Pour in the wine, brandy, and honey. Stir gently to dissolve the honey, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the liquids.

Next, slice the orange and lemon into rounds and add them to the pot. This not only infuses the liquid with a citrus aroma but also provides a bit of visual appeal.

Now, it’s time for the spices. Add cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, nutmeg, vanilla pod, and black peppercorns. Stir everything together gently.

Warm the mixture over low heat. It's crucial to avoid boiling; this ensures the alcohol doesn't evaporate and the flavors meld gently. Stir occasionally, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This will allow all the spices to infuse the wine thoroughly.

Once your kitchen smells amazing and the mixture is warm and aromatic, remove the pot from the heat. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve to catch the spices and fruit slices.

Serve the mulled wine warm in heatproof glasses or mugs. For a festive touch, garnish with a fresh orange slice on the rim of each glass.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare with just a few quality ingredients.
Fills your home with a wonderfully inviting aroma.
Customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Makes entertaining feel effortless and festive.

Ingredients

1 bottle of red wine (750ml)

1/4 cup brandy

1/4 cup honey

1 orange, sliced into rounds

1 lemon, sliced into rounds

6 whole cloves

3 cinnamon sticks

2 star anise

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 vanilla pod, split

8-10 whole black peppercorns

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the wine, brandy, and honey.

2. Add the orange and lemon slices, along with the spices: cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, nutmeg, vanilla pod, and black peppercorns.

3. Warm the mixture over low heat without bringing it to a boil, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

4. Once hot and aromatic, remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve.

5. Serve warm in heatproof glasses or mugs with an optional orange slice for garnish.

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