Hey there, wine lovers!
Looking to warm up your chilly evenings? I’ve got a cozy treat just for you!
Today, I’m sharing my favorite recipe for apple cider mulled wine.
It’s packed with spices, sweet apple goodness, and a kick of red wine.
Perfect for snuggling up on the couch or sharing with friends at a gathering!
Let’s dive into the warm, festive flavors!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
For the red wine, non-alcoholic wine can be used to create a family-friendly version. This maintains the fruity flavor profile while eliminating alcohol content. Adjust sweetness with additional honey or cider if needed. Apple cider can be replaced with unsweetened apple juice for a slightly different flavor. Reduce honey if using sweetened juice to balance overall sweetness. Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar for vegan options. Use slightly less maple syrup or agave as they are sweeter than honey. For the spices, ground versions can be used if whole spices are unavailable. Use 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground star anise. Strain the mulled wine before serving if using ground spices.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30-35 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-50 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1800-2200
- Protein: 1-5 g
- Fat: 0-5 g
- Carbohydrates: 220-260 g
Ingredients
- 1 bottle dry, fruity red wine (750 ml – merlot, zinfandel, or cabernet sauvignon work well)
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/4 cup honey
- Juice and zest of 1 orange
- 5 whole cloves
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 whole star anise
- 1/4 cup brandy
- Orange slices for decoration
- Cinnamon sticks for decoration
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in a Pot
In a Dutch oven or a similar large pot, add the wine, cider, honey, orange zest, and orange juice.
Stir these ingredients together until well combined, ensuring the honey is dissolved into the liquid mixture.
Step 2: Add Spices to the Mixture
Once the liquid ingredients are combined, add the aromatic spices: cloves, cardamom, a cinnamon stick, and star anise.
These spices will infuse the mixture, adding warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Step 3: Simmer the Mixture
Bring the pot to a simmer over medium-high heat, being careful not to let it boil.
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture gently simmer for 30 minutes.
This slow simmer allows the flavors of the spices to meld into the wine.
Step 4: Add Brandy and Prepare to Serve
After 30 minutes, stir in the brandy gently to add a rich depth to the drink.
To serve, ladle the warm mulled wine into mugs.
For an elegant presentation and an extra hint of flavor, garnish each mug with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
Enjoy your cozy, spiced beverage!
