Hot mulled wine is the bomb! If you’re of European descent, you cherish the taste and feeling of hot mulled wine taking the winter chill out of your body. It’s the loveliest, most intoxicating of holiday indulgences! This simple recipe brings back memories of gathering around the fire at outdoor winter markets and of good ol’ holiday cheer! You may know it as Glögg in Sweden, Gluhwein in Germany, and Vin Brule in Italy, either way, hot mulled wine is an international crowd-pleaser. So let’s get you started! This festive holiday drink is easy to make and will warm up your guests – in minutes!
INGREDIENTS:
– 1 bottle red wine. Use Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon – NOT Merlot!
– 1/3 cup honey. We use our favorite local honey.
– 1 navel or blood orange, sliced into rounds, or a few shakes of orange bitters
– 2-3 piece of of each cloves, nutmeg, star anise, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, cardamom, black peppercorns, or 1 package of our famous Crave Mulling Spices
DIRECTIONS:
- Combine honey, sliced orange, and spices in a large pot. Cook over medium heat, adding just a small glug of wine to start (water works just as well here). Stir this to create a syrup-like consistency. Bring this spice base to a boil, and then turn down to simmer for 4-5 minutes. The longer you let it mull, the better it tastes!
- Add the remainder of the wine and turn the heat down to low. Allow the wine to warm gradually without coming to a boil (and burning off alcohol content).
- Ladle into mugs, garnishing with a cinnamon stick or a slice of fresh orange.
- Enjoy – and pace yourself!
Tip: Wrap the loose spices in a reusable tea bag or some cheesecloth. Don’t have oranges? Substitute for chopped apples or raisins. Also, consider substituting the hot red wine for apple juice or tea to create a sweet, alcohol-free version of this festive drink.
Cheers to the holidays!
