Servings: 5
Calories: 147kcal
Equipment
- Slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 1 vanilla bean split lengthwise
- 1 small piece of fresh ginger about 1 inch, thinly sliced
- 1 750 ml bottle of dry red table wine
- 1/4 cup cognac or orange-flavored liqueur
- 2 to 4 tablespoons of honey maple syrup, or sugar, adjusted to your preferred sweetness
- 1 orange thinly sliced into rounds
- 7 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon quills
- 2 star anise pods
Optional garnishes:
- Additional citrus rounds orange, lemon, lime, extra cinnamon sticks, extra star anise
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Before you start, I recommend gathering everything you'll need. Having your ingredients in one place makes the process smooth and enjoyable. You'll feel like a kitchen wizard.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
- In a large pot, combine your bottle of red wine (yes, that whole bottle) and the quarter cup of cognac or orange liqueur. This concoction forms the base of our mulled wine. Swirl it gently to mix.
Step 3: Add the Sweetness
- Now it’s time to introduce the sweetener. Start with 2 tablespoons of honey, maple syrup, or sugar. Stir it in until dissolved. You can always add more later, depending on your taste. Remember, the spices will also enhance the overall flavor.
Step 4: Spice It Up
- Add the split vanilla bean, sliced ginger, cloves, cinnamon quills, and star anise. Can you smell those spices already? This is where the magic happens! These spices will infuse the wine, creating an irresistible aroma.
Step 5: Bring It to a Simmer
- Turn the heat to medium-low. Allow the mixture to warm gently. You want to see steam rising, but do not let it boil. Boiling can alter the flavor, and we wouldn’t want that.
Step 6: Add the Citrus
- Once it’s steaming, gently toss in the orange slices. This adds a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness. Allow the wine to simmer for 20-30 minutes. Feel free to give it a stir occasionally.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
- After the simmering time, take a moment to taste your mulled wine. This step is crucial! Adjust the sweetness if needed. If it feels too spicy, you can add more wine or a splash of water.
Step 8: Serve It Up
- Once you find the balance you love, it’s time to serve! Use a slotted spoon to remove the spices and ginger pieces.
- Pour the mulled wine into heatproof mugs or glasses. Garnish with citrus rounds, cinnamon sticks, or even extra star anise for a festive touch.
Step 9: Enjoy!
- Savor your creation. Take a moment to drink in the hospitality you've created. Pair the warm wine with your favorite snack, and share it with friends or family.
Notes
- Red Wine: The choice of wine can change the character of your mulled wine. A dry red is ideal, but feel free to experiment with variations depending on your palate.
- Cognac: If you want a hint of zestiness, you might want to play with orange liqueur. It pairs well, especially with the orange slices.
- Sweeteners: I’ve used honey and maple syrup, both of which lend a unique flavor twist. Each option will give a little extra something to the final product.
- Spices: The star anise and cloves are not just for flavor; they can elevate the whole experience with their warming properties.
Nutrition
Serving: 294g | Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Sodium: 28mg | Sugar: 37g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!