November brings crisper autumn air and Thanksgiving gatherings. Classic mulled wine sets the perfect festive warm mood. This aromatic blend of rich red wine, zesty orange, cinnamon, and cloves welcomes family around the table. Simmered gently to preserve its cozy flavors, it also fills your home with a welcoming fall scent.
The secret is to never let the wine boil. Boiling destroys the complex flavors and evaporates the alcohol, leaving it bitter. Instead, allow the ingredients to gently infuse over low heat (see instructions below.)
Classic Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon) Mulling and heating changes the flavor of the wine. So don’t waste an expensive wine. Stay in the affordable range.
- 1 fresh orange, sliced into rounds (plus extra for garnish) In addition, you can also add a 3 oz orange liqueur.
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks (or more if you also want to use them as a garnish)
- 3 star anise (or more if you want to add one star anise to each finished mug as garnish) Star Anise has a sweet licorice flavor.
- 6 whole cloves
- ¼ cup brandy
- If you want a bit of sweetness: 2 tablespoons honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pour the red wine into a medium saucepan. Add the orange slices (and optional orange liqueur), cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and sweetener if desired.
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring the mixture to a very gentle, barely noticeable simmer, but ensure no bubbles break the surface. You might see small wisps of steam. Again, NO BOILING! If it boils, you’ll have to create a new batch.
- Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot, and let it steep for 15 to 20 minutes This allows the spices and wine to meld completely. It will also fill your home with a lovely, warm, inviting scent.
- Remove from heat, stir in the optional brandy, and strain out the spices and fruit.
- Ladle into heatproof mugs or heatproof, stemmed coffee glasses, garnish with fresh star anise, an orange round and optional cinnamon stick.
- Enjoy immediately while still piping hot.