Easy Mulled Wine
This Easy Mulled Wine is a comforting, aromatic blend of a full-bodied red wine simmered with sweet dried figs, crisp apple slices, zesty orange slices, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, sweetened to perfection with honey. It’s the perfect drink to warm up a chilly evening.
My mother-in-law’s answer to a very bad case of the cold or flu was a nice glass of Mulled Wine! She would bring out her beat up old pot that she used just for this, and she whoever was sick at the moment a warm hug in a glass.
I loved all of her cooking from home Cannelloni, wine cookies, and of course minestrone just to name a few!
The Recipe Ingredients
To make a delicious batch of mulled wine, you will need the following ingredients:
- Red Wine: Choose a robust, full-bodied red wine, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Shiraz. It’s important to use a wine you enjoy drinking as it forms the base of your mulled wine.
- Dried Figs: Dried figs add a natural sweet touch along with a nutrient boost to the drink.
- Spices: The essential spices include cinnamon sticks and cloves.
- Sweetener: Sugar or honey is used to sweeten the wine and balance the spices. Adjust the sweetness to your preference. We always use honey.
- Citrus: Fresh orange slices, or lemon slices if you prefer.
- Apple: Apples slices are also added.
- Garnish: A sprig of fresh rosemary, a cinnamon stick, or a slice of an orange can be used as a garnish.
How to make Mulled Wine
In a large pot, combine all the ingredients. Heat the mixture over low to medium heat, being careful not to boil it. Allow it to gently simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
Strain the mulled wine into heatproof glasses or mugs, and garnish with your choice of garnishes.
The History and Tradition of Mulled Wine
The tradition of mulled wine traces its roots to ancient Rome, where wine was often heated and flavored with spices to fend off the winter chill. Over the centuries, this practice spread throughout Europe and became a holiday and winter tradition. Today, mulled wine is enjoyed around the world, with each culture adding its unique twist to the recipe.
Delicious Variations
- White Mulled Wine: Use white wine for a lighter, citrusy version. Replace red wine with a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Cranberry Spice: Add cranberry juice and fresh cranberries for a tart twist.
- Apple Cider Sangria: Combine red wine with apple cider, apples, and a touch of brandy for an apple-infused delight.
- Mulled Rosé: Experiment with rosé wine for a sweeter and fruitier option.
- Spiked Mulled Wine: Enhance the warmth by adding a shot of your favorite liqueur, such as amaretto or Grand Marnier.
- Optional Spirits: Some like to add a splash of brandy, cognac, or rum to elevate the flavor and warmth. If using spirits, stir them in just before serving.
- Make an alcoholic free mulled wine: Substitute red wine with non-alcoholic red wine or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, fresh figs can be used, but dried figs have a more concentrated flavor which enhances the taste of the mulled wine.
Simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, but don’t boil to avoid evaporating the alcohol.
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat gently on low before serving.
No, keeping the peel adds extra flavor and color to the mulled wine.
Brown sugar or maple syrup are great alternatives to honey.
How to store it
Mulled wine can be refrigerated for up to three days and reheated gently. Store in an airtight container or jar.
Mulled wine is more than just a beverage; it’s a comforting tradition that brings people together during the coldest months of the year. So cheers to the pleasures of mulled wine! Enjoy!
Easy Mulled Wine
Ingredients
- 1½ cups full bodied dry red wine 375 ml
- 1 -2 dried figs
- 2 apple slices
- 2 orange slices
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 cloves
- 2 teaspoons honey (more or less to taste)*
Brown sugar or maple syrup are great alternatives to honey.
Instructions
- In a small/medium pot add all the ingredients, heat on low for approximately 20 minutes (do not boil).
- Pour through a sieve, divide between two glasses, add an orange slice to each glass and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Updated from January 2, 2017.
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Hi Wilbur, thanks so much, glad you found the blog also. I hope you enjoy the recipes. And let me know what you try. Take care.
Your recipe looks delicious! That was so sweet of your mother in law to try and make you feel better! Happy New Year!
Hi Lauren, thanks so much, yes she was so sweet. Happy New Year to you too.
I love the addition of figs to the mulled wine! I’ve never heard of that variation, but you can bet I’ll be trying it next time!
Hi Nikki, thanks hope you enjoy it. Happy New Year.