By Suprita Mitter
December 3, 2024
Making mulled wine at home involves infusing red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, along with citrus slices and a touch of sweetness. The result is a warm, aromatic drink perfect for winter gatherings, offering comforting flavours and holiday cheer.
1 bottle of red wine (750 ml, a dry red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works best) 1/4 cup brandy 1/4 cup honey or sugar 1 orange 1 lemon, 2-3 cinnamon sticks 4-6 whole cloves 2-3 star anise 1-2 bay leaves 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1/4 tsp allspice
Slice the orange and lemon into thin rounds. You can also zest the orange for added flavour if you like.
Pour the red wine into a large pot over medium heat. Add the brandy, honey (or sugar), and all the spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, bay leaves, ginger, and allspice). Stir gently to combine.
Add the sliced citrus fruits (orange, lemon) into the pot. Stir again and bring the mixture to a simmer, not a boil, to avoid evaporating the alcohol. Let it simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes. You can adjust the sweetness and spice levels by adding more honey or sugar to taste.
Once the mulled wine is infused with the spices and citrus flavors, strain it into mugs, removing the whole spices and fruit slices. Serve hot, garnished with additional citrus slices or a cinnamon stick if desired.
You can keep the mulled wine on a low simmer for longer to allow the flavors to deepen, but make sure it doesn’t boil.
For a non-alcoholic version, replace the wine with grape juice or apple cider and omit the brandy.