Looking for more festive holiday drink ideas?
Mulled, mulled wine goes to my head……I am absolutely convinced that homemade mulled wine is just about the easiest and most delicious recipe ever for winter and holiday gatherings. It literally just takes about 5 minutes to prep. This is the perfect drink anywhere from an at home date night to a big holiday party with dozens. It’s easy to customize with your favorite spices, and spike with your favorite liqueurs. You can make this on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. And it’s guaranteed to warm everyone up on a chilly winter night.
Get your star players:
Ingredients:
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Wine – your favorite bottle of red
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Brandy – 1/2 Cup (other liquors to use are Cointreau, Bourbon or Cognac)
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Oranges – sliced, one for mulling, one for garnish
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2-3 Cinnamon Sticks
Mulling spices
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2-3 Star anise
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8-10 Whole Cloves
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Honey – 1/4 Cup
Ok, best part….one stop shop for your stovetop!
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Combine all ingredients, stir and cook on medium-high heat until it reaches a simmer. Do not let it bubble, you’ll burn off the alcohol!! Then, what’s the point LOL. Reduce to low, cover and let the wine simmer for about 20 minutes up to 2 hours.
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Use a fine mesh strainer, remove cinnamon sticks, star anise and cloves
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Serve and top with your favorite toppings – fresh orange slices, star anise or a fresh cinnamon stick.
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If you decide to use a slow cooker, just combine as mentioned above, cook on low for 4 hours.
- To make a non-alcoholic mulled “wine”, obviously leave out the wine and brandy/cognac. Substitute wine with either cranberry, pomegranate or grape juice.
Serve in a traditional details glass like this one Crystal Coffee Mug Warm Beverage Mugs Set , Double Wall Insulated Glasses or Double Walled Insulated Glass Mugs, which I use daily for my coffee.
