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Spiced Mulled Wine – a winter favorite! Warm spices with a hint of orange make for a great holiday drink.
Do you have a favorite drink when the weather gets cold? A Kahlua Hot Chocolate is a great warm and cozy drink I like to help warm up on a chilly night! Normally I am a wine drinker when it comes to cocktail time, so a mulled wine recipe is exactly what I want for a winter party.
A friend first turned me onto mulled wine probably 15 years ago. The warm spices with the bold red wine is such a warm and comforting combination. Completely different than a Red Wine Spritzer that is a cool and refreshing way to enjoy wine.
What is Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is a drink that is normally made with red wine. It is infused with spices and served hot or warm. It is a traditional drink that is usually served around Christmas time and in the cold winter months. It is great to warm in the crock pot. The spices infuse the wine, and it sits there hot and waiting for you!
How to Make Mulled Wine
You want to make sure that your spices aren’t just floating in your mulled wine, or it won’t be pleasant to drink. A cheese cloth works best to make sure this doesn’t happen. You put all the spices in the cloth, and then tie it up and let it sit in the wine. It helps infuse the flavor and you don’t bite down on a peppercorn. This mulled wine recipe uses citrus as well. You dry the oranges out in the oven, and they help give the wine a great citrus scent.
Best Wine for Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is best if you use a full bodied red wine. Something like a Syrah, Malbec or a Merlot. You do not want a light and fruity wine for this. You do not need to buy an expensive bottle, just a wine that you like the flavor of.
The dried oranges are an extra step, but they make it extra special. It will be great for any get together you have in the winter.
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Spiced Mulled Wine
Ingredients
- 1 large orange, , cut into thin slices
- 10 black peppercorns
- 5 whole cloves
- 3 cardamom pods, , lightly crushed
- 3 whole allspice
- 2 cinnamon sticks, (3 inches long)
- 1/2 vanilla bean, , split lengthwise
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 bottles, (750 ml) zinfandel or other dry red wine
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
- Arrange orange slices on a wire rack. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 3 hours, or until dried.
- On a double layer of cheesecloth combine peppercorns, cloves, cardamom pods, allspice, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla bean. Gather up the ends of the cheesecloth, and tie shut.
- In a large pan combine orange slices, the spice packet, sugar, orange juice and win. Heat over medium heat to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 30 minutes.
- Remove the spice packet to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’m a wine drinker and I think I’d love this! Putting it in a slow cooker to serve during a party is a great idea!
Spiced Wine is one of my favorite drinks in the winter! I will have to try this one out!
I love the words spiced mulled wine… makes me think of all things festive and cozy. Like I need to just pass a glass to old Ebenezer… 😀
I have never had mulled wine but I do love regular wine and this could work out perfectly
Looks like a great Holiday Drink. Definitely going to try a few. This recipe is absolutely gorgeous! Thanks
This is perfect for when the neighbors come over to hang out! One of my favorite drinks of the season!
Mulled wine is a MUST this time of year! Love the vanilla bean that you added – haven’t tried that before.
Oh my goodness! Those winter flavors! I must make this wine!
This is seriously so wonderful!!!
Yes, please!! This looks amaaaazing!!