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Cozy Spiced Mulled Wine: Best Easy Holiday Recipe

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A simple, warm, and forgiving holiday drink made with dry red wine, fresh oranges, and classic spices like cinnamon and cloves. Ready in under 30 minutes, this mulled wine is perfect for cozy winter nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
  • 2 large oranges (for juice and peel)
  • 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  • 2–3 star anise pods
  • 6–8 whole cloves
  • 3–4 tablespoons brown sugar or honey

Instructions

  1. Wash oranges thoroughly. Using a vegetable peeler or sharp knife, remove the peel from two oranges, avoiding the bitter white pith. Cut peel into wide strips.
  2. Juice the oranges to get approximately 1 cup of fresh orange juice. Set juice and peel strips aside.
  3. Pour the red wine into a large heavy-bottomed pot. Add the orange juice, orange peel strips, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves.
  4. Add brown sugar or honey and stir gently to help dissolve.
  5. Place the pot over medium-low heat. Watch closely for small bubbles forming around the edges and steam rising, then reduce heat to low. Do not boil.
  6. Simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, leaving the pot slightly uncovered to allow steam to escape.
  7. Taste the wine and adjust sweetness or spice levels if necessary.
  8. Turn off the heat. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a serving pitcher or mugs.
  9. Ladle the wine through the strainer to remove spices and peel. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Never boil the wine, as it evaporates the alcohol and ruins the flavor. Keep the temperature below a simmer (around 160°F/70°C). Use whole spices, not ground, to avoid grittiness. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Keywords: mulled wine, holiday drink, winter recipe, spiced wine, easy cocktail, cozy drinks, gluten-free, vegan

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/cozy-spiced-mulled-wine-best-easy-holiday-recipe/