Warm Up Your Holidays with Hot Spiced Wine
Hot Spiced Wine Recipe: The Perfect Winter Warmer
As the temperatures outside drop, there’s nothing better than a comforting and flavorful drink to help you unwind and relax. That’s why I’m thrilled to share with you my recipe for hot spiced wine, also known as mulled wine.
This delicious beverage is perfect for any winter occasion, from cozy nights in with a loved one to Christmas and holiday festivities. It’s easy to make and requires only a handful of ingredients that may already be in your pantry.
Imagine the smell of warm spices, cinnamon, apple, orange, clove, star anise, nutmeg all wafting through your home as your guests arrive. This is the epitome of comfort which brings people together. One sip and they will be hooked!
So why not take a break from the traditional cocktails or wine and indulge in something festive but unique? This hot spiced wine recipe is sure to be a hit with anyone you serve it to. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you searching for the perfect drink to warm you up during the winter months? Look no further than this hot spiced wine recipe! This mulled wine is the epitome of coziness in a glass, with a rich and flavorful blend of spices, fruit, and red wine.
One of the reasons why I adore this recipe is because it’s incredibly easy to make. Just dump all of the ingredients into a saucepan and let them simmer away until the flavors meld together. The aroma that fills your home while making this mulled wine is simply amazing!
This recipe is also super versatile. You can adjust the spices and sweetness level to your liking. Plus, if you have any leftovers (which is rare!), you can store it in the fridge and reheat it later for a cozy nightcap.
Another reason why this drink is so fantastic is because it pairs well with a variety of dishes. If you’re hosting a holiday party or gathering, serve this hot spiced wine alongside cheese platters, charcuterie boards, and hearty soups. Its warm and comforting flavor complements savory dishes perfectly.
Lastly, this drink provides much-needed warmth on chilly evenings. Whether you’re curled up on the couch with a good book or sitting around a fire pit with friends, hot spiced wine is sure to keep you cozy and content.
In conclusion, if you want to experience the ultimate taste of winter coziness, give this hot spiced wine recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
Red Wine: The backbone of this hot spiced wine recipe is a full-bodied red wine. Choose a wine that you would love to drink. A merlot or cabernet sauvignon is an ideal choice, but any other favorite high-quality red will work.
Oranges: This recipe needs 1 large orange* which should be sliced rounds and another one should be cut in half. We’ll use both the orange juice and orange zest to give a fruity, citrus/mulled flavor to the mixture.
Apple: Use one medium-sized apple for the sweetness; it will also add to the color.
Spices: For a perfect blend of spices, we need 6 whole cloves, 3 cinnamon sticks, 3-inch orange zests, 3 whole allspice, Star anise, nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. You can add or subtract as you feel.
Water: To make up for the water content in the juice and apple, we need 2 cups of water
Sugar: Every mulled wine needs some added sweetness. Use 1 cup brown sugar to cut through the tartness of citrus and balance out the spices. If you want it sweeter or less sweet, adjust according to your taste.
Brandy: A splash of brandy is optional but recommended as it adds a little extra warmth and flavor. 1/4 cup brandy should do the job.
Overall here’s what you’ll need for this Hot Spiced Christmas Wine recipe:
- Red wine – 1 (750 ml) bottle
- Oranges – 2
- Apple – 1
- Whole cloves – 3
- Cinnamon sticks – 3
- Orange zest – 3 inch
- Whole Allspice – 3 pieces
- Star anise
- Nutmeg
- Water – 2 cups
- Brown sugar – 1 cup
- Brandy – 1/4 cup
The Recipe How-To
Now get ready to make this delicious hot spiced wine. This recipe takes about 40 minutes to prepare, and yields approximately 8 servings.
Ingredients:
- 2 bottles of red wine (750 milliliters each)
- 1/2 cup of brandy
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 6 whole cloves
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2-star anise
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- Zest and juice from 1 orange
- Water as needed
Directions:
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Start by combining the brown sugar, orange zest, and orange juice in a large saucepan over medium heat.
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Add enough water to cover the sugar, and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
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Once the sugar has dissolved, add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and whole cloves.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
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After simmering, add two bottles of red wine to the saucepan.
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Next, add your sliced oranges rounds to the mix.
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Stir in your brandy, and continue heating the mixture over low heat until it’s hot but not boiling.
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Once heated, use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solids from your spiced wine before pouring them into your heated mugs.
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Garnish with a few fresh cinnamon sticks or sprigs of rosemary if desired—serve plain or with a slice of orange.
This recipe is perfect for those cold winter nights when you need something warm and cozy to put in your belly!
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of a hot spiced wine recipe is the flexibility of ingredients that can be used to create your perfect drink. If you want to switch things up, consider trying some of the following substitutions and variations:
– Wine Varieties: While the recipe calls for a full-bodied red wine, it can also work well with other varieties like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
– Citrus Fruits: In addition to using oranges, try substituting with lemons or grapefruits. Adding more than one type of citrus can also enhance the drink’s flavor.
– Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices based on your taste preference. For example, allspice, ginger or cardamom can add a unique and flavorful twist to your spiced wine.
– Sugar: Swap out the brown sugar for maple syrup or honey to give it a slightly different sweetness. Adjust accordingly based on the level of sweetness desired.
– Non-Alcoholic Version: For non-alcoholic guests or those who prefer not to drink alcohol, swap out the red wine for apple cider or grape juice. Add some mulling spices like cinnamon sticks and cloves for that same cozy flavor.
Remember that while experimenting with ingredients is encouraged, be sure not to overwhelm the drink’s flavors, so it doesn’t take away from the rich and warming taste profile that makes this recipe so great!
Serving and Pairing
Hot spiced wine is a perfect winter warmer for the holiday season. It is an excellent choice for sipping on chilly nights, and it adds a touch of festivity to any evening party or gathering. The warm, spicy aroma and rich flavor of this spiced wine create an inviting atmosphere that pairs well with a variety of foods.
If you’re looking to serve hot spiced wine at a dinner party, it pairs well with hearty meat dishes such as roasted beef, pork or game. It also complements vegetarian meals nicely, especially those featuring root vegetables like roasted parsnips and squash. For dessert, try serving chocolate cake or rich fruit pies with hot spiced wine – the flavors blend beautifully together.
Hot spiced wine can be enjoyed as a stand-alone beverage or as part of a cocktail. For those who prefer cocktails, it is recommended to mix hot spiced wine with brandy to make the traditional German mulled wine known as gluhwein. You can also convert it into a refreshing summer sip by adding apple cider and cooling it down.
So, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, having friends over for a cozy night in, or just want something different to sip on; pair your hot-spiced wine with food or savor it as a standalone beverage – it’s sure to be enjoyed by all!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The beauty of this hot spiced wine recipe is not only in its taste, but also in its versatility. You can make a big batch of it ahead of time and then reheat it later when you’re ready to enjoy it with friends and family.
To make the most of the mulled wine’s complex flavors, I recommend allowing it to sit for at least an hour or two before serving. This will allow the wine to absorb all of the sweet and spicy flavors from the fruits and spices.
When it comes to storing your leftover spiced wine, you have a few options. The first option is to simply refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, place the wine in a saucepan and heat over low heat until warm, being careful not to boil it or the alcohol will evaporate.
Another option is to freeze your leftover spiced wine for up to six months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm gently over low heat on the stove.
If you’re short on time, another option is to use a slow cooker to keep your mulled wine warm throughout your party. Simply transfer your spiced wine mixture into your slow cooker on low heat and serve directly from there.
However you choose to store and reheat your hot spiced wine, be sure to savor every sip of this delicious winter cocktail.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your hot spiced wine turns out perfectly, here are some tips to keep in mind:
First, make sure to use a full-bodied red wine for the best flavor. A good option is a merlot or any red that you personally enjoy. Remember, the quality of the wine used can make a huge difference in the taste of the final product.
Secondly, don’t forget to strain the spices out before serving. Leaving them in the mixture can cause the drink to become bitter and overpowering.
Thirdly, be careful not to overheat your wine. While it is important to heat it up to infuse the flavors of the spices, avoid boiling it as this can cause the alcohol to evaporate, leaving you with a flat and uninteresting beverage.
To add a touch of sweetness, try using maple syrup instead of sugar as it adds an extra depth of flavor to the drink.
Finally, if you want an even more aromatic and fragrant mixture, try adding sliced rounds of citrus fruits like oranges and lemons to bring a fresh burst of fruity aroma to your hot spiced wine.
Remember these tips and tricks when making your next batch of hot spiced wine and enjoy the perfect cozy glass on a chilly evening.
FAQ
As an experienced cook, I have had my fair share of recipe fails and guesswork. That’s why I’m here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about the hot spiced wine recipe so that you can whip up a perfect batch of this festive beverage to share with your loved ones. Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers that may help you out as you go along!
What kind of wine is used for hot spiced wine?
When it comes to mulled wine, it’s best to go for a variety of wine that is dry, full-bodied, and bold in its taste profile. Wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Zinfandel, or Syrah bring out the right amount of richness without overpowering your palate with too much sweetness. These wines act as the perfect complement to the spiced flavors of mulled wine, making for an unforgettable drinking experience.
What’s the difference between mulled and spiced wine?
Mulled wine has evolved over time to have a sweeter taste, which is achieved by using a greater amount of fruit juice to balance out the harsh acidity and spicy notes that were present in its older form known as spiced wine.
What is the best wine to make mulled wine?
When it comes to preparing a delightful mulled wine, it’s important to choose a wine that can withstand the strong sweetness and spices that come along with the hot beverage. A medium-bodied wine with rich fruity flavors and minimal oak aging is the way to go. I highly recommend trying a Zinfandel from California, a Chilean Merlot or even a Spanish Grenache as they all pair deliciously with a warm mulled wine.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a warm and spicy drink to enjoy during the holiday season or on chilly winter nights, then hot spiced wine is the perfect recipe for you. With its rich and bold flavors of red wine, apples, oranges, spices, and brandy, this spiced wine recipe will leave you feeling cozy and satisfied.
Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering or sipping it while reading a book by the fireplace, hot spiced wine is sure to add warmth and joy to any occasion. Plus, with its easy-to-follow instructions and adaptable ingredients, you can make this mulled wine recipe your own by adding your favorite spices and fruits.
So why not give hot spiced wine a try this winter season? It’s the perfect drink to share with loved ones or simply enjoy on your own. With its bold flavors and heartwarming qualities, you won’t be disappointed. Cheers to cozy nights in with a delicious glass of spiced wine!
Hot Spiced Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 10 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 peppercorns, whole
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (to taste)
- 1 orange, juice and rind of (peel it and then squeeze out juice)
- 1 apple, peeled and cored
- 1 (750 ml) bottle red wine
Instructions
- Combine everything but the wine in a pan and boil for 5 minutes.
- Add wine and heat to just before boiling. Try not to let it boil or the alcohol will evaporate.
- Strain into cups and serve hot.
- Can be garnished with a cinnamon stick.