Mulled wine is the holidays in a mug, and this recipe comes together in just 20 minutes.
Warm spices with just a hint of sweetness—we assure you this is the only mulled wine recipe you’ll need this holiday season. When it comes to selecting a wine, pick something you’d drink on its own. A full-bodied red like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot is excellent and pairs well with the spices and fruit flavors. If you like to add a little extra nip, a little brandy goes a long way—and we’d recommend adding it at the very end.
RECIPE:
20-Minute Mulled Wine
Prep Time: 5 minutesCook Time: 15 minutesStart to finish: 20 minutes Serves 6 people
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Start to finish: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups apple cider
- 1 bottle red wine (we like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Pinot Noir – but use anything full-bodied that you like to drink)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 whole star anise
- 8 whole cloves
- 2 sticks cinnamon
- 3 mandarin oranges, peeled and left whole
- 1/2 pear, cored
- 4 mini apples or 1 large apple, sliced (seeds and core removed)
- 1 orange, sliced (garnish)
- 1/2 cup cranberries (garnish)
- Cinnamon Sticks (garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
INSTRUCTIONS
- Set a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot on the stove, and turn the heat to low. Add the apple cider, red wine and maple syrup. Stir to combine and allow to heat but not boil. Turn the heat down to the lowest setting.
- Place the star anise and whole cloves in a tea infuser or tea filter bag. If you don’t have either, no need to worry—just be sure to strain the mulled wine before serving. Add the cinnamon sticks, mandarin oranges, pear and apples. Leave on the lowest setting for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When you’re ready to enjoy, remove the spices. Serve hot, topped with sliced oranges, fresh cranberries, and a cinnamon stick.
