Cozy Mulled Wine Recipe
Winter in Europe is not winter in California, where I grew up. It's really cold, and really gray, and really long! But, something I love about this time of year are the special cultural foods and events to make it feel a little brighter and warmer.
Mulled wine reminds me of Christmas markets, especially the one in Bolzano that we have visited often. This mulled wine is filled with festive spices and citrusy sweetness, are really perfect for holiday gatherings or to keep your hands warm if you are outside around a fire. The cranberries make it look pretty with these touches of bright red and add a little sourness.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
1 bottle (750ml) red wine (Merlot, Shiraz, or Zinfandel work well)
1 orange, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
1/2 cup fresh cranberries (optional: slightly smashed for extra flavor)
3–4 whole cloves
2 star anise
2 cinnamon sticks
1/4 cup honey or sugar (optional, but worth it!)
1 cup water
Instructions:
Combine Ingredients:
In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the red wine, water, orange slices, cranberries, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks.
Sweeten:
Stir in honey or sugar (if using) until dissolved. Adjust sweetness to your liking.
Heat Gently:
Heat the mixture over low heat, ensuring it doesn’t come to a boil (boiling can cook off the alcohol and alter the flavor). Let it simmer gently for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
Serve:
Strain the mulled wine to remove spices and fruit, then ladle into mugs. Garnish with fresh orange slices, a few cranberries, or a cinnamon stick.
Mulled wine reminds me of Christmas markets, especially the one in Bolzano that we have visited often. This mulled wine is filled with festive spices and citrusy sweetness, are really perfect for holiday gatherings or to keep your hands warm if you are outside around a fire. The cranberries make it look pretty with these touches of bright red and add a little sourness.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
1 bottle (750ml) red wine (Merlot, Shiraz, or Zinfandel work well)
1 orange, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
1/2 cup fresh cranberries (optional: slightly smashed for extra flavor)
3–4 whole cloves
2 star anise
2 cinnamon sticks
1/4 cup honey or sugar (optional, but worth it!)
1 cup water
Instructions:
Combine Ingredients:
In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the red wine, water, orange slices, cranberries, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks.
Sweeten:
Stir in honey or sugar (if using) until dissolved. Adjust sweetness to your liking.
Heat Gently:
Heat the mixture over low heat, ensuring it doesn’t come to a boil (boiling can cook off the alcohol and alter the flavor). Let it simmer gently for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
Serve:
Strain the mulled wine to remove spices and fruit, then ladle into mugs. Garnish with fresh orange slices, a few cranberries, or a cinnamon stick.