Overview
- Mulled wine is a warm, spiced drink made by heating red wine with spices, fruits, and sometimes alcohol.
- Follow this guide to combine red wine, brandy, spices, and orange slices, then simmer and adjust for the perfect balance. With the right wine, you’ll create a memorable, cozy beverage for holiday gatherings.
Mulled wine, or spiced wine, is a cozy holiday drink made by warming red wine with a blend of spices and fruits. It’s a favorite in many Western countries during the colder months, but it can be easily adapted for the cool December evenings in the Philippines, making it a perfect festive treat.
To help you get into the holiday spirit, here’s a simple DIY Christmas mulled wine recipe that’s guaranteed to add warmth and cheer to your celebrations.
How to Make a DIY Mulled Wine?
Making mulled wine at home is an easy, rewarding way to enjoy a warm, spiced drink during the colder months. Perfect for any holiday occasion, here are simple steps to craft the ideal DIY Christmas mulled wine.
Combine Ingredients
Preparing your own DIY mulled wine begins with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- A bottle of red wine (Merlot, Zinfandel, or Garnacha work wonderfully)
- 1/4 cup brandy (or orange liqueur for a citrus twist)
- 1 medium orange, sliced into rounds (optional: peel it first to reduce bitterness)
- 8 whole cloves
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks
- 2–4 star anise
- 2–4 tablespoons of sugar, honey, or maple syrup (sweeten to your liking)
- Optional garnishes: extra orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or fresh cranberries for decoration.
Once everything’s ready, it’s time to bring your mulled wine to life! Combine the red wine, brandy (or liqueur), orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and 2 tablespoons of your chosen sweetener in a large saucepan. Give it a quick stir to mix the ingredients.
Simmer
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and let it come to a low simmer. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can evaporate the alcohol and alter the flavor. Stir occasionally to ensure the flavors blend smoothly. For a stronger spice profile, you can simmer it a bit longer, but avoid letting it reduce too much.
Taste and Adjust
Let the mulled wine simmer for at least 15 minutes or up to 3 hours for a more intense flavor. Taste periodically and adjust the sweetness or spice levels to your liking by adding more sugar, honey, or a touch of cinnamon.
For a stronger citrus flavor, add extra orange slices or a splash of juice. If you want more depth, you can also add a bit more brandy or liqueur. Keep tasting to find the perfect balance of flavors.
Strain
Once the mulled wine has finished simmering, use a fine mesh strainer to remove the solids, such as the orange slices and spices. Pour the mulled wine into heatproof mugs or cups.
For an extra touch, garnish with a cinnamon stick, additional orange slices, or a few cranberries. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, spiced aroma of this cozy holiday treat.
What are the Best Wines for this Recipe?
Choosing the right red wine is essential for flavorful mulled wine. Wines with fruity or jammy notes pair well with spices and citrus, while lighter wines like Pinot Noir may lack the body to balance these bold flavors.
Red Blends
Red blends, such as Hopes End Red Blend, are a great option for making mulled wine. They combine different grape varieties, which can add complexity and depth to the flavor. These wines often have a nice mix of fruity notes, spice, and earthiness that go well with the spices used in mulled wine. Plus, many red blends are affordable, making them a good choice for large batches without sacrificing quality. Since mulled wine is usually made in bigger quantities, choosing a budget-friendly option is a practical way to go.
Merlot
Merlot, such as a Grant Burge, is often recommended for mulled wine due to its medium to full-bodied profile, which provides depth and richness that complements the spices and citrus typically used in mulled wine recipes. With fruity notes of plum and cherry, Merlot pairs well with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Its versatility also makes it a great match for other ingredients, such as brandy or orange liqueur, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the mulled wine.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel, such as Seghesio Home Ranch Zinfandel, offers bold, fruity flavors with notes of blackberry, raspberry, and cherry. Its natural sweetness enhances the spices and citrus in mulled wine, while its inherent spiciness pairs perfectly with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. With a medium to full body, Zinfandel can support these flavors without being overwhelmed, ensuring a well-balanced, aromatic drink.
Malbec
Malbec is known for its deep, dark fruit flavors, such as blackberry and plum, which can elevate the overall taste of mulled wine. Its boldness, such as Trapiche Broquel Malbec, pairs well with the spices typically used in the recipe. The wine's moderate acidity and velvety texture enhance the mouthfeel and complexity of the drink, making it an ideal base for warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Additionally, Malbec's dark purple hue adds to the attractive presentation when served warm.
Key Takeaway
With these steps, you can be sure that your holiday gathering, whether intimate or something more formal is a hit.
Ready to elevate your mulled wine experience? At Ralph’s Wine and Spirits, we offer a premium selection of red wines, perfect for crafting your next festive batch. Explore our range today and discover the ideal bottle to bring your mulled wine to life! Visit our stores or order online now!
