Classic Honey Mulled Wine
A fun and festive holiday tradition to share with your friends and family. Also, a wonderful way to warm up over the cold winter months.
Equipment
- Cups & Saucers
- 1 Medium Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 750 ml Bottle of Red Wine Merlot, Malbec, or Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2 Medium oranges
- 6 Whole Cloves
- 3 Star Anise
- 3 Cinnamon Sticks, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1/2 cup Brandy optional
- Optional garnishes: Fresh whole cranberries (about ΒΌ cup), cinnamon sticks, or additional orange rounds (cut in half if needed, so they can fit in the cups).
Instructions
- Slice one orange into rounds and slice the other in half. Place the rounds into the medium saucepan. Squeeze the juice from the remaining oranges into the saucepan.
- Next, over medium heat, combine the full bottle of wine with your measured spices, and brandy in the medium saucepan with the orange juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer (do not let it boil, once you start to see the little bubbles rise to the surface, lower the temperature), add the honey and continue simmering gently over the lowest heat setting for 10 - 15 minutes (depending on taste preference).
- Serve once it has reached your desired taste, in cups with saucers, and garnish with your chosen mixture of cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and/or orange rounds.
Notes
A note to avoid bitterness: it is really important not to boil or overheat the mixture, as it not only reduces the alcohol content but will lead to scalded wine and a very bitter and unpleasant-tasting drink. Low & slow is the name of the game to get this festival drink made right.
Slow cooker: I love to make this using the stove-top method but if you are swamped preparing for company to arrive, you can use the slow cooker method, just add all of the ingredients into your slow cooker and set the temperature to the lowest setting, and leave going for approximately 30 minutes or when steam starts to appear on the lid. If your slow cooker doesn't have a timer built in, make sure to set a timer on your phone, as you really do not want to scald the wine!