Mulled wine is a spiced hot wine cocktail with many variations. Mulled Wine was never about being classy and the best recipes are quite easy to make. This is a Northern European tradition with several variations including German Glühwein, French Vin Chaud, and Norwegian Gløgg.
Below is our favourite recipe for mulled wine as well as a few tips (and selected wine choices)
Mulled Wine Recipe (for a party size)
- 1 bottle (750 ml) Red Wine (preferably Zinfandel)
- 1 1/2 cups Unfiltered Apple Juice/Cider
- 3 Tbsp Allspice berries
- 5 Cinnamon Sticks
- Orange Peels for garnish
- 170 ml brandy* (*optional)
Directions: In a large pot, heat the apple juice, wine and spices together on the stove just until it starts to bubble on the sides of the pot (94º C). Strain the liquid into a glass and garnish with a curl of orange peel. Note: Don’t over cook the wine, just get it up to temperature so that the spices release their flavors.
This recipe is as easy to make as it is easy to drink. Also, you should definitely try leaving out the brandy if you just want a lighter alcohol version that you can drink more of. Try it with different spices (such as allspice, ginger, fresh turmeric, etc.) if you are curious about new variations. You can add more sugar at the end to fit your preference, but honestly, it’s better (and healthier) without it. Of course, any red wine will do, but if you really want something stupendous, Zinfandel is a winner because of its natural affinity to baking spices. If you can’t get a Zinfandel, try Italian Primitivo or Sangiovese. These wines focus on red fruit flavors and spice.
Alternatively, make the classic mulled wine recipe above (without adding the brandy) and then hold a rum soaked spoon of sugar (must be high proof, like Bacardi 151) over your drink and then light it on fire! When it starts to caramelize and brown, dunk it into your drink, stir, and savour.
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