How to make mulled wine (2024)

FAQs

What is the best wine for mulled wine? ›

The best red wine to use for mulled wine is Merlot, Zinfandel or Garnacha (also called Grenache). These wines are dark, fruity and full bodied, which means they can support all of the flavors we'll be adding. Look for labels that describe the wine as “jammy” or with “notes of vanilla.”

Does the alcohol cook out when making mulled wine? In short, yes, some of the alcohol burns off when boiling mulled wine, but you should only be gently bringing up to the boil and simmering for around 15-30 minutes which isn't enough time to completely remove all alcohol traces.

It is commonly a combination of orange, lemon, cinnamon, nutmeg, fennel seed (or star anise), cloves, cardamom, and ginger. The spices may be combined and boiled in a sugar syrup before red wine is added, heated, and served. Variations include adding brandy or ginger wine.

The heat used in mulling encourages greater flavours from the citrus and the spices but also reduces the alcohol content, hence the common addition of a slug of spirit or liqueur just before serving.

If you wouldn't drink the wine on its own, then you shouldn't use it for any of the above methods. But absolutely feel free to use a “cheap” wine if you enjoy the way it tastes.

If you're making mulled wine, you shouldn't completely care about the quality of the wine. All of the subtle notes in wine will be overshadowed by the intense spices and sweetness you add, so again, don't buy a Burgundy premier cru or a Trousseau from Jura or even a Chinon.

Mull Over One Of These Mulled Wine-Friendly Bottles: Of course any of these are delicious straight from the bottle too! Though the flavors of this wine are subtle, they are crisp and clean, with plentiful citrus and peach flavors.

First, you just want to heat it up enough to have the spices integrate with the flavor of the wine so keep it on low whether you are using the stove or a crockpot. Second, use the lid. The alcohol will escape as steam so if the steam can escape, the alcohol will remain. Macerate the spices in the wine.

TO STORE: Let your mulled wine cool completely, then pour it into an airtight storage container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. TO REHEAT: Gently rewarm mulled wine in a large pot on the stovetop over low heat, or pour leftovers into your slow cooker and reheat on LOW until warm.

The red wine base in mulled wine brings its own set of health benefits. Resveratrol is associated with heart health benefits and may help protect the lining of blood vessels, lower bad cholesterol levels, and prevent blood clots. When consumed in moderation, red wine has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.

Can you leave mulled wine overnight? ›

Leave to simmer on a low heat for 10 mins. Turn off the heat and cover, leaving the wine to infuse. We like to leave the Wine overnight but recommend a few hours as a minimum.

Sweeteners and Fruits. Certain mulled wines also include sweeteners, such as honey or fruit, to complement the warmth of the spices. For example, apples and citrus fruits (usually oranges) pair nicely with cinnamon.

Cook the mulled wine on medium-high heat until it just barely reaches a simmer. (Avoid letting it bubble — you don't want to boil off the alcohol.) Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the wine simmer for at least 15 minutes or up to 3 hours. Strain.

Method. Put the red wine, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, lemon zest and sugar in a large pan. Cook on a low heat for 10 mins. Remove from the heat and cool, leaving to infuse for about 30 mins.

All ingredients are combined and heated to approximately 150-160 degrees. Be careful not to over heat or boil the mixture. Since alcohol evaporates at 172 degrees which is much lower than water you would be left with a non-alcoholic version of mulled wine and that defeats the purpose.

Traditionally, you serve mulled wine in porcelain or ceramic mulled wine mugs. Check out our affordable collection of gracefully decorated options. The shapes and designs can vary, but they all have a wider brim than normal, making it easier to drink.

Appropriate Glassware: Use heat-resistant glasses or mugs. Traditional glass wine goblets might crack with the heat, so opt for thicker, sturdier glasses or even festive mugs. Garnishing: Enhance the presentation by adding a cinnamon stick or an orange slice as a garnish.

Ideally you want to use bigger and bolder red wines like Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, or Cabernet, but any fruity red wine your family members are leaving around will do. I've used Pinot Noir before to success. Honestly, whatever red wine that you're stuck with and you don't want to drink, they'll work.

Generally speaking, you won't go wrong using a relatively dry, but fruity (or “fruit-forward”) wine for mulling. And, if the recipe you choose calls for a dose of brandy or other liquor, you'll probably want to choose a wine that's low in alcohol (unless, of course, you have a specific goal in mind).