Mulled wine, also known as spiced wine, is most popularly known to be a warm German beverage. But it is known by many other names around the world. The basic recipe is versatile and it can vary slightly from the recipe that’s shared here. Mulled wine is as traditional in Germany as the Christmas tree. Fun Fact: The Christmas tree originated in Germany in the 16th century.
It’s simple to make and doesn’t take long to heat up.
Ingredients
- White wine, 750ml bottle
- 1 orange, juiced and zested
- 1 cinnamon stick (One stick is necessary for the drink, but grab more sticks if you’ll be using them as garnish.)
- 4 tbsp. mulling spices, wrapped in cheesecloth or confined to a tea ball (Mulling spices are traditionally cinnamon, cloves, allspice and nutmeg. They can also include anise, cardamon, ginger and peppercorns as well as dried citrus peel.)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brandy
Read more: Grow your own cinnamon for flavor & health benefits!
Directions
Add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and stir well to combine the ingredients thoroughly. Add the lid and heat on the low setting for 30 to 60 minutes. Let it heat until it’s hot, but not boiling, and then switch to the warm setting. For a variation, you can substitute the white wine for a red wine.
Mulled wine looks beautiful served in a clear wine glass. It’s sure to impress guests. It also smells wonderful, so it doubles as a room scent. No need for a simmer pot when you’re serving mulled wine! For a personal touch, it’s nice to buy a wine that’s made at a local winery.
Mulled wine garnishes vary from taste to taste. You can garnish it with thinly sliced oranges, thinly sliced apples and/or with fresh cranberries or raisins.
This story about mulled wine was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
