Hot Drink
Mulled Wine
How to make mulled wine - the classic hot drink from red wine with cinnamon, cloves and orange. An easy recipe for the Christmas season and cold evenings.
15 minPrep time
easyDifficulty
Mulled wine glassGlass
4Serving(s)
Mulled wine is the very essence of German Christmas markets and warms you from the inside on cold days. Dry red wine is gently heated with cinnamon, cloves, star anise and orange until the aromas merge. The only key is never to let it boil, so it stays aromatic and does not turn bitter.
Instructions
- Pour the red wine into a pot and warm it slowly.
- Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves and star anise.
- Stir in the sugar and let it dissolve.
- Let everything steep over low heat for about ten minutes without boiling.
- Strain off the spices and orange slices.
- Pour into mulled wine glasses and serve with a cinnamon stick.
Garnish: An orange slice and a cinnamon stick
Pro tip: Never let the mulled wine boil - as soon as it simmers, the alcohol evaporates and the spices turn bitter. Keep it just below the boiling point.
Frequently asked questions
Which wine is best for mulled wine?
A simple, dry to off-dry red wine such as Pinot Noir or Dornfelder works well. Expensive wine is not worth it, as the spices dominate.
Can mulled wine boil?
No, mulled wine should never boil. From about 78 degrees the alcohol evaporates and the spices release bitter compounds. Heat it gently only.
How long does homemade mulled wine keep?
Covered in the fridge it keeps well for two to three days. Simply warm it gently again before serving.
Ingredients
- dry red wine75 cl
- Organic orange (sliced)1 piece
- Cinnamon sticks2 pieces
- Cloves4 pieces
- Sugar3 tbsp
- Star anise1 piece
