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Cozy Friendsgiving Spiced Mulled Wine

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This Cozy Friendsgiving Spiced Mulled Wine is the result of a cold porch moment and a warm kitchen exchange. It’s the kind of drink that makes people linger, refill their mugs, and forget about the turkey for a while.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (Merlot or Zinfandel recommended)
  • 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 1/4 cup honey (orange blossom honey recommended)
  • 1 orange (washed and sliced into rounds, peel on)
  • 1 lemon (washed and sliced into rounds, peel on)
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 4 star anise pods
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries (lightly crushed)
  • 1 vanilla bean (split lengthwise, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
  • 1 small piece fresh ginger (about 1 inch, sliced into thin coins, unpeeled)
  • Fresh cranberries (for garnish, optional)
  • Additional orange slices (for garnish, optional)
  • Rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Toast the whole spices: Place a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and allspice berries. Toast for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until fragrant. Do not let them burn.
  2. Combine the base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, pour in the red wine and apple cider. Add the honey and stir until it begins to dissolve. Drop in the sliced orange and lemon rounds.
  3. Add the spices and ginger: Toss in the toasted spices, sliced fresh ginger, and split vanilla bean (if using). Give everything a gentle stir.
  4. Heat slowly: Place the pot over medium-low heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil. Do not let it boil. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Taste and adjust: After 20 minutes, taste the mulled wine. Adjust sweetness with more honey if needed, or remove spices if too intense. Simmer longer if more aroma is desired.
  6. Strain and serve: Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large heatproof pitcher or directly over mugs. Ladle the mulled wine through the strainer to catch all spices and citrus slices. Discard solids. If using vanilla extract instead of a bean, stir it in now.
  7. Garnish and enjoy: Pour into mugs and add fresh orange slices, cranberries, or rosemary sprigs. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not let the wine boil, as it will evaporate the alcohol and make the wine taste bitter. Toasting the spices first unlocks deeper flavors. The mulled wine can be made a day ahead and reheated gently. For a non-alcoholic version, replace wine with equal parts pomegranate juice and cranberry juice. For a boozy boost, add 1/4 cup brandy or dark rum.

Nutrition

Keywords: mulled wine, spiced wine, Friendsgiving, holiday drink, warm cocktail, red wine, apple cider, cinnamon, star anise, cloves

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/cozy-friendsgiving-spiced-mulled-wine-the-best-easy-recipe/