Spice Up Your Evening with Orange Mulled Wine
Do you love to cozy up around a warm fire on a chilly evening? Or hosting a holiday party for your loved ones?
If your answer is yes, then you are in for a treat with this orange mulled wine recipe. A perfect combination of spices, citrusy flavors, and a touch of sweetness make it an excellent choice for any occasion.
This flavorful wine warms up your senses and adds a special touch to any gathering. Imagine the air filled with the scent of cinnamon sticks, oranges, black peppercorns, and whole cloves. It’s enough to make your mouth water!
Creating this citrus mulled wine using this easy mulled wine recipe is simple and requires only a few ingredients that may already be in your pantry.
Moreover, you can also adjust the sweetness level based on your preference. This recipe is versatile enough to create variations of spiced mulled wine by adding ingredients like apple cider or cranberry juice.
So, whether it’s an intimate dinner party or a large family gathering, impress your guests with this cosy orange mulled wine recipe. Trust me; they will be asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a drink that will warm you up and get into the holiday spirit? Look no further than this Orange Mulled Wine Recipe! Not only is it easy to make, but it produces a delightful aroma that fills your home with warmth and comfort.
The sweet citrus flavor of the oranges pairs perfectly with the spices like the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and black peppercorns. Moreover, the addition of Cointreau liqueur adds a sneakily seductive zing to each sip of this timeless classic. Trust me; this is a recipe that all red wine lovers will cherish being introduced to.
What sets this recipe apart from others is that it uses dry white wine instead of red wine. This variation creates a delicate and crisp taste, unlike traditional mulled wine’s heavy and rich flavors. The honey infused in this recipe balances out the dryness of the white wine, making it perfect for those who like subtle sweetness in their drinks. You’ll love the bright, fresh flavors of the oranges mingling with the warming spice notes, setting you up for an unforgettable experience.
Whether relaxing on a cozy night by yourself, joining your girlfriends for an intimate evening gathering, or hosting a family festive occasion during winter holidays, Orange Mulled Wine is the perfect libation to add to any enjoyable and memorable celebration. So grab these easy-to-find ingredients and savor every last drop of this fantastic recipe with close friends while creating new memories that last forever!
Ingredient List
To create this delicious Orange Mulled Wine recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 (750 ml) bottle of dry red wine
- 2 cups of apple cider
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 10 whole cloves
- 1 orange, zest and juice
- 1 tsp of whole black peppercorns
- 2 whole star anise pods
- 2 cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 cup of Cointreau liqueur
All of these ingredients come together to make a delicious, citrusy and spiced mulled wine that’s perfect for serving during the holiday season.
The Recipe How-To
To make orange mulled wine, first, combine the orange juice, water, sugar, honey, cinnamon sticks, cloves, peppercorns, and cardamom pods in a large pot. Heat it over low heat until the sugar dissolves entirely.
Then, add the red wine, Cointreau liqueur, and apple cider to this mixture. Stir everything for some time till they mix properly. Heat it over medium heat until it is hot but not boiling-approximately 10 minutes of heating.
Infusing Flavor
Next, add orange slices and zest along with cinnamon sticks and star anise to the heated mixture. Turn down the heat and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes. The longer you infuse the flavor, the stronger the taste will be.
If you want to make an instant pot mulled wine recipe or a slow cooker recipe, follow these same steps but use your cooking tools accordingly.
Serving
Finally, using a strainer , remove cinnamon sticks and orange slices before servings. You can serve hot with individual cinnamon sticks as stirrers or garnish with additional orange slices.
Enjoy your warm cup of citrus mulled wine on cold nights!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking for a way to make this orange mulled wine recipe your own? Luckily, there are multiple ingredient variations and substitutions that can be easily implemented into the recipe.
Firstly, if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version of this spiced wine beverage, you could substitute the wine with cranberry juice or apple cider. Additionally, you could omit the Cointreau liqueur and replace it with orange juice to enhance the citrusy flavor in the recipe.
For an extra spice kick, try adding 1-2 cardamom pods to give your orange mulled wine a complex aroma and flavor. You could also swap out the cinnamon sticks for star anise or add a pinch of black peppercorns for a bold flavor addition.
Adjusting the sweetness levels in this recipe is easy too! Swap honey for brown sugar or try using maple syrup instead. Alternatively, consider leaving out the sweetener altogether if you prefer a more naturally tart taste.
Lastly, if you’re looking to mix things up beyond just ingredients, give some different serving options a go. For example, serve your orange mulled wine in heat-proof mugs alongside some mulling spices like star anise or cinnamon sticks for visual appeal. Want to go all-out? Incorporate fruit slices like oranges and apples into your presentation to make your spiced wine look even more appetizing.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutes or variations in this easy mulled wine recipe! With endless ingredient combinations and presentation options available, creating your own personal twist on this classic beverage is simple and truly rewarding.
Serving and Pairing
Orange mulled wine is a perfect drink to serve on cold winter days, as it warms you up from the inside. Ideally, serve the spiced mulled wine hot, as it fills your mouth with warm, citrusy flavor. This easy mulled wine recipe goes well with a variety of dishes.
When it comes to pairing the orange mulled wine with food, remember that it has complex flavors and aroma that need to be complemented by similar tastes. The slightly sweet and spicy nature of the citrus-mulled wine goes well with roasted ham or turkey. You can serve it as an accompaniment to meals or use it in cooking recipes.
If you want to pair your mulled wine recipe with cheese, consider aged cheddar or gouda cheese, as they have a strong flavor that balances the sweetness of the spiced wine. Alternatively, team your orange gluhwein with a fruit tart or apple cake for a perfect dessert pairing.
Also, if you’re hosting a party, try serving other spiked warm drinks such as cocoa and coffee along with this fragrant Orange Mulled Wine Recipe as they will give people various flavorful options to choose from.
Finally, add a slice of orange and cinnamon stick to garnish your orange-mulled wine and impress your guests with both looks and taste alike.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The great thing about mulled wine is that it can be prepared ahead of time and stored until ready to serve. This orange mulled wine recipe can be made a day in advance and can be easily reheated when needed, making it the perfect option for hosting parties.
To store your orange mulled wine, allow it to cool to room temperature, then cover the pot or container tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply rewarm on low heat while stirring occasionally until heated through.
If you’re using an Instant Pot or slow cooker to make your orange mulled wine, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storing and reheating.
It’s essential to avoid overcooking your mulled wine; otherwise, you’ll end up with some harsh-tasting concoction. Be sure not to boil the wine as this will make the alcohol evaporate, resulting in a bland-tasting drink that loses its potency.
For storing your leftover orange mulled wine, you can either keep it at room temperature or refrigerate it as mentioned earlier. If storing at room temperature, ensure that the container is airtight to preserve the flavors and aroma.
Lastly, never discard any leftover spiced wine as they can be used as mulling spices for other beverages or desserts like gluhwein. The fruit and spices in your orange mulled wine are also a great addition to hot cider, tea or even apple pie filling.
Tips for Perfect Results
To make the perfect orange mulled wine, there are a few tips that will guarantee the best flavor and aroma. Firstly, watch the heat of your wine carefully. It is important to avoid boiling the wine as this can reduce the alcohol content and change the overall taste, so keep it at a slow simmer or low heat.
Additionally, if you do not have time to let the wine steep for an extended amount of time, consider using a slow cooker to prepare it. This method will allow all of the flavors to meld together perfectly and make for a deliciously spiced mulled wine.
For those who want a richer flavor, try adding apple cider to the recipe instead of water. This tiny tweak enhances the fruit’s sweet flavors and strengthens the spices’ aroma.
There is also room for experimentation with various mulling spices like star anise or cardamom pods. But be careful not to overpower your wine by using too many spices – one or two types of spices usually do the trick.
If you want to have some extra sweetness in your orange mulled wine recipe instead of using honey as instructed by some recipes, try using brown sugar instead. It adds richness and caramel flavor that honey can’t achieve.
Lastly, serve your orange mulled wine hot from the stove garnished with extra orange slices, keeping them in for an added citrusy touch. Serve it in warm cups scattered with cinnamon sticks for that perfectly cozy winter feel that makes you think about ordering Gluhwein in German bars during Christmas markets.
By following these tips, enjoying a warm cup of citrus mulled wine is sure to become one of your new favorite winter traditions!
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a way to warm up and indulge in the flavors of the season, then orange mulled wine is definitely for you! With its perfect balance of fruit, spice, and wine flavors, this recipe makes for the perfect cozy drink on chilly evenings.
What makes this recipe even better is that it’s so versatile. You can adjust the sweetness or intensity of spices to your liking or use different types of wine. It’s also great to experiment with different substitutions or variations like apple cider or cranberry juice.
So why not try this easy yet flavorful wine recipe for your next dinner party or gathering? Not only will it keep everyone warm and relaxed, but it will also add the perfect touch of sophistication to your event. Trust me; your guests will thank you!
Orange Mulled Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (750 ml) bottle dry white wine
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 oranges, cut into slices
- 1/4 cup Cointreau liqueur
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole cloves
- 5 black peppercorns
- orange, slices for garnish
- cinnamon stick, for garnish
Instructions
- In a big pan, combine the wine, water, sugar, oranges, Cointreau, honey, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and peppercorns; bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Turn the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for 30 minutes (it is important to not let it sit too long as the pith from the orange can make the wine bitter).
- Strain and serve warm in mugs, garnished with orange slices and cinnamon sticks.
- Make-ahead: you can make the mulled wine up to 2 days ahead, strain it, and keep it in the refrigerator; reheat just before serving.