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Cozy Mulled Wine Recipe Easy Homemade Spiced Drink for Winter Comfort

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A warm, inviting mulled wine infused with cinnamon, star anise, orange, and other spices, perfect for winter gatherings and cozy nights by the fire.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml / 25 fl oz) dry or semi-dry red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon recommended)
  • 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
  • 2–3 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 whole star anise pieces
  • 5–6 whole cloves
  • 3–4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed (optional)
  • 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced thin
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) apple cider or juice (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Rinse the orange thoroughly and slice into thin rounds. Lightly crush the cardamom pods if using. Peel and slice the ginger thinly.
  2. Pour the entire bottle of red wine into a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat.
  3. Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, cardamom pods, sliced ginger, and orange rounds into the wine.
  4. Stir in honey or maple syrup and apple cider if using. Add vanilla extract and gently stir to combine.
  5. Lower heat to a gentle simmer, avoiding boiling. Let simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice level as desired by adding more honey/maple syrup or simmering longer.
  7. Strain out spices and orange slices using a fine mesh strainer if preferred, then ladle mulled wine into mugs.
  8. Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick or a twist of orange peel and serve warm.

Notes

Never boil the mulled wine to preserve alcohol and avoid bitterness. Use whole spices for clearer flavor and easier straining. Fresh citrus peel is preferred over dried for brightness. Simmering longer (up to 30 minutes) intensifies flavors but watch heat carefully. For non-alcoholic version, substitute wine with grape or cranberry juice and add sparkling water before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: mulled wine, winter drink, spiced wine, holiday beverage, cozy drink, cinnamon, star anise, orange, homemade mulled wine

Find it online: https://lemonydrinks.com/cozy-mulled-wine-recipe-easy-homemade-spiced-drink-for-winter-comfort/