How to Make Mulled Wine

When the weather turns chilly and the holidays are just around the corner, there’s nothing quite like a cup of mulled wine. Mulled wine is warm, spiced, and full of deep flavors that make it the perfect drink for cozy nights by the fire, holiday parties, or just relaxing after a long day. Plus, it’s super easy to make and customizable to suit your tastes.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 bottle of red wine (a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon works best)
• 1 orange, sliced (plus extra for garnishing)
• 3-4 whole cinnamon sticks
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 2-3 star anise
• 2-3 tablespoons of honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup brandy (optional, but adds a nice kick!)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the Wine (But Don’t Boil It!)
   Pour the wine into a large pot or saucepan. Add the sliced orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Turn the heat to medium-low and gently warm the wine. The key here is to avoid boiling the wine, this will preserve its flavors and prevent the alcohol from evaporating.

2. Sweeten It Up
   Add 2-3 tablespoons of honey or sugar and stir until dissolved. Taste the wine and adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a richer flavor, a drizzle of maple syrup can also do wonders.

3. Add Brandy (Optional)
   For an extra layer of warmth and depth, stir in ¼ cup of brandy. While optional, this adds a nice, boozy kick that many mulled wine lovers appreciate.

4. Simmer and Infuse
   Let the wine simmer gently for 20-30 minutes. This allows the spices and citrus to fully infuse, creating that signature mulled wine aroma and taste.

5. Serve and Garnish
   Remove the pot from heat and strain the wine to remove the spices and orange slices. Ladle the warm mulled wine into mugs and garnish with fresh orange slices, a cinnamon stick, or a sprig of rosemary for an extra festive touch.

Tips for Perfect Mulled Wine

• Choose the Right Wine: Don’t splurge on an expensive bottle. Instead, go for a good-quality, dry red that you enjoy drinking. The spices and citrus will complement the wine’s natural flavors. Or just use what you got on hand.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. Add nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of ginger for a twist.
• Make it Ahead: Mulled wine can be made in advance and reheated when needed. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and warm it gently before serving.

What to Serve with Mulled Wine

Mulled wine pairs well with holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, shortbread, and spiced nuts. It’s also a great complement to savory appetizers like cheese boards, charcuterie, and roasted chestnuts.

Contributed by Ray Ibanez, E-Commerce Manager for Plume Ridge Bottle Shop.