Mulled Wine is made with red wine, whole spices, honey, and brandy for a warm drink that's perfect to sip on throughout the winter season!Ready to enjoy in just 25 minutes!
Ingredients
750mlred winemerlot, cabernet, red zinfandel, red blend
Add the wine, cloves, cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, and star anise (if using) to a medium saucepan or small dutch oven.
Gently drop in the orange slices. You can add honey now as well or wait until serving.
Heat the wine over medium-low heat, watching closely that it does not simmer. You want the wine to come to temperature and stay just below bubbling. Cook for 20 minutes.
Ladle into mugs and garnish with cranberries and rosemary, if desired.
Notes
Maple syrup or brown sugar may be used in place of honey but honey is the most traditional sweetener in mulled wine.
It's important to add some sweetener since the wine will take on a more alcoholic flavor as it's warmed.
Brandy is optional and you can also try bourbon, cognac, or your favorite liqueur.
Choose a full-bodied red wine or red wine blend that has rich spice and berry notes for the best results.
Do not let the wine come to a boil as we do not want the alcohol to evaporate or have any reduction to the wine which could cause it to become syrupy.
You can transfer it to a slow cooker to keep warm or make it completely in the slow cooker. I recommend keeping it on low heat and heating for at least 1 hour before serving.
Raisins are sometimes added to mulled wine, but these are also completely optional.