Warm & Comforting Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

Hey there, my cozy kitchen friends!

Are you in the mood for something warm and festive?

I’ve got the perfect drink for you: slow cooker mulled wine!

It’s rich, spiced, and oh-so-comforting.

Just toss everything in your slow cooker, kick back, and let the magic happen.

Perfect for chilly nights or holiday gatherings.

Let’s warm up with this deliciousness!

slow cooker mulled wine

Ingredient Substitutions

Dry red wine can be replaced with non-alcoholic red wine or cranberry juice for an alcohol-free version. Adjust sweetness as needed, as juice may be sweeter than wine. Honey or maple syrup can be substituted with agave nectar or coconut sugar for different flavor profiles. Use slightly less agave as it’s sweeter than honey. Fresh cranberries can be swapped for dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds. If using dried cranberries, reduce the quantity to 1/2 cup and add them towards the end of cooking to prevent over-softening. For the brandy, apple juice or additional wine can be used as a non-alcoholic alternative, maintaining the liquid balance in the recipe. These substitutions accommodate various dietary preferences while preserving the warm, spiced essence of mulled wine.

Preparation Time 10-15 minutes
Cooking Time 30-60 minutes
Total Time 40-75 minutes
Level of Difficulty Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

  • Calories: 2000-2200
  • Protein: 2-4 g
  • Fat: 0-2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 500-550 g

Ingredients

  • 1 (750 ml) bottle of dry red wine, such as cabernet sauvignon or merlot
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 large orange, cut into slices
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 8 cloves
  • 2 sticks of cinnamon
  • 1 whole star anise
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • Additional orange slices and cinnamon sticks for decoration

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker or Saucepan

In the bowl of a slow cooker, add the wine, honey or maple syrup, cranberries, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.

Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Alternatively, you can place the same ingredients into a large saucepan and stir to mix them thoroughly.

Step 2: Heat and Simmer

If using a slow cooker: Set it to LOW and let the mixture heat for about 1 hour, or until hot.

If using a saucepan: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.

It should be steaming, but not bubbling.

Once it reaches a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it continue to simmer slowly for 30 minutes.

Be careful not to let it boil, as that can alter the flavors.

Step 3: Incorporate the Brandy

Once the mixture is heated through, lower the slow cooker’s setting to warm or remove your saucepan from the heat.

Stir in the brandy until well combined.

Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness, adding more honey or maple syrup if needed according to your preference.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the warm, spiced wine into mugs.

Garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick and an orange slice for a festive touch.

Serve immediately and enjoy this warm, aromatic drink.

slow cooker mulled wine
slow cooker mulled wine

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