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As the holiday season approaches and the cold weather sets in, nothing says warmth and coziness like a cup of hot spiced mulled wine. The mulled wine tastes rich and flavorful, combining fruity red wine and warm spices, making it a crowd favorite at holiday parties. Our recipe includes organic apple cider, dry red wine, Bee Inspired Honey, hearty spices, and citrus, making it a delicious and comforting choice for any occasion. In this blog post, we’ll share the history behind this popular drink, the best wine for mulled wine, and how to make it yourself at home.
Introduction to Apple Cider Mulled Wine
Apple cider mulled wine is a delicious and seasonal drink that combines the flavors of apple cider and red wine. This warm and spicy beverage is perfect for the holiday season, offering a sweet and fruity flavor from the apple cider, complemented by the aromatic spices. The combination of these ingredients creates a comforting drink that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking to cozy up on a chilly evening, apple cider mulled wine is a delightful choice. In this article, we will explore the history of mulled wine, its key ingredients, and provide a simple recipe to make this festive drink at home.
What is Mulled Wine?
Mulled wine, also known as spiced wine, hot wine, or glühwein, is a traditional holiday drink that has warmed hearts for centuries. The mulled wine tastes rich and flavorful, with a combination of fruity red wine and warm spices. Typically made with red wine, this festive beverage can also be crafted using white wine for a lighter twist. The essence of mulled wine lies in its blend of wine, spices, and other flavorful ingredients, creating a warm and comforting drink perfect for chilly winter nights. Popular across many European countries, mulled wine is a staple at Christmas markets and holiday gatherings, bringing a touch of old-world charm to modern celebrations.
Our Cranberry Honey is perfect for this recipe!
Apple Cider Mulled Wine Recipe
If we dig back into history, we learn that spiced mulled wine dates back to the second century. The Roman soldiers mixed honey with wine and then slowly heated the mixture. As the mixture was heated, they added hearty spices like pepper and bay leaves to warm their bodies in the dead of winter. It was also a method to keep wine and fresh spices from spoiling. Since they couldn’t necessarily drink water, wine was a must. As the Romans conquered Europe, mulled wine became increasingly popular and spread throughout the European regions.
Known as a vin chaud recipe in France and gluhwein in Germany, today it works in much the same way. When crisp autumn nights roll around, and you want something to warm you up and take the edge off, something a cup of tea can’t do, try this easy spiced mulled wine recipe. This delightful combination of spices and practical tips makes it accessible for home cooks looking for a festive beverage.
The mulled wine tastes rich and flavorful, with the combination of apple cider, red wine, and spices creating a delightful experience.
The best wine for mulled wine is a dry red wine, such as Malbec or Syrah. These wines are full-bodied and bold, able to hold up against the heat, spices, and cider. You’ll need apple cider, preferably organic, and Bee Inspired Honey, which will add a touch of sweetness to balance out the spices. You can choose your favorite honey varietal from our selection to create a more personalized flavor. As for the spices, we recommend a handful of fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and orange and lemon peel and slices.
Why you'll love this Apple Cider Mulled Wine Recipe
This recipe for mulled wine is easy as can be, making it perfect for entertaining. The mulled wine tastes rich and flavorful, with a perfect balance of tart cranberry, apple cider, sweet honey, and bold red wine. Not only is it a fun way to warm up, but it also contains comforting flavors perfect for any holiday party. Plus, the aroma of the spices will fill your home and create cozy atmosphere.
- This recipe for mulled wine is easy as can be
- Perfect for entertaining
- A fun way to warm up if you are of age
- Full of comforting flavor
Apple Cider Mulled Wine Ingredients & Substitutions
- Apple Cider - Organic fresh apple cider is best!
- Dry Red Wine - In our opinion, the best wine for mulled wine is Malbec or Syrah
- Honey - Peruse our many varietals and choose your favorite
- Citrus Fruits - You’ll need oranges and lemons
- Cranberries - Pick up a bag of fresh
- Spices - Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and fresh rosemary provide much of the flavor!
The combination of apple cider, red wine, honey, and spices creates a rich and flavorful mulled wine tastes, perfect for the holiday season.
Apple Cider Mulled Wine Spices & Flavorings
The magic of mulled wine comes from its rich tapestry of spices and flavorings. Cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and nutmeg are the stars of the show, simmering gently in the wine to infuse it with their warm, aromatic notes. To elevate the flavor profile, you can add a splash of orange juice or apple juice, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. These ingredients work together to create a symphony of flavors that make each sip of mulled wine a delightful experience. The resulting mulled wine tastes rich and flavorful, combining fruity red wine with warm spices, making it perfect for the holiday season.
How to Make Apple Cider Mulled Wine
Now, onto the recipe for homemade mulled wine. In a large pot, combine the apple cider, wine, honey, and spices. Heat on medium-high heat until it starts to bubble, then lower the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes. Make sure not to boil the mixture, as it will evaporate the alcohol. Once the wine is heated through and the flavors have melded, serve hot in mugs with herbs, cinnamon sticks and sliced fruit for garnish. Simmering the ingredients together creates a rich and flavorful mulled wine tastes, making it a delightful holiday treat.
One: Combine the Ingredients
Add the cider, wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cranberries, cloves, and star anise to a large saucepan and mix. If you want your mulled wine recipe stronger, you can include other alcohol as well, such as brandy, vodka, or rum, along with a variety of spices to enhance the drink's potency and flavor.
Two: Heat it Up
Bring all ingredients to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. When following mulled wine recipes, it’s crucial to heat the wine properly without over boiling it to preserve the alcohol and ensure the spices and fruits infuse effectively. Proper heating enhances the mulled wine tastes, allowing the rich, flavorful combination of fruity red wine and warm spices to shine through.
Three: Serve Warm & Enjoy!
Pour your homemade mulled wine into glass mugs, add an orange peel to each and serve with cinnamon stick and rosemary sprig. Serving the mulled wine warm enhances the rich, flavorful combination of fruity red wine and warm spices, making the mulled wine tastes more enjoyable and authentic.
Crockpot Mulled Wine
Making mulled wine in a crockpot is a fantastic way to prepare this delicious drink for a party or gathering with minimal effort. Simply add all the ingredients to the crockpot, including the red wine, apple cider, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and spices, and cook on low for 2-3 hours. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, and the spices to infuse deeply into the wine. For an extra kick, you can add a splash of brandy or rum. Serve the mulled wine hot, garnished with orange slices and cinnamon sticks, to keep your guests warm and happy throughout the evening.
Apple Cider Mulled Wine Serving Suggestions
Apple Cider mulled wine is the epitome of a festive drink, perfect for holiday parties, Christmas markets, or simply cozying up by the fire on a cold winter night. Serve this hot spiced wine in sturdy mugs or heat resistant glasses to keep it warm longer. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, a slice of orange, or a star anise to add a touch of elegance and extra flavor to your apple cider mulled wine recipe. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home, apple cider mulled wine is sure to bring warmth and cheer to any occasion. The garnishes enhance the mulled wine tastes by complementing the rich, flavorful combination of fruity red wine and warm spices.
Tips & Tricks
Creating the perfect apple cider mulled wine is an art, and these tips and tricks will help you master it:
- Choose a Good Quality Red Wine: A full-bodied wine with a high alcohol content, like Syrah or Malbec, works best as the base for your mulled wine.
- Balance the Spices: Start with a small amount of spices and adjust to taste. Over-spicing can overwhelm the wine’s natural flavors.
- Use a Slow Cooker or Dutch Oven: These tools allow the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensure the wine heats evenly without boiling.
- Sweeten to Taste: Add a sweetener like maple syrup, brown sugar, or more honey to balance the spices and enhance the wine’s natural sweetness.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different spices and flavorings to create your unique mulled wine recipe. A touch of ginger or a splash of brandy can add an exciting twist.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make an apple cider mulled wine recipe that rivals any professional chef’s creation, perfect for warming up your holiday season. These tips will enhance the mulled wine tastes, allowing for a rich, flavorful combination of fruity red wine and warm spices, making your homemade version more enjoyable and authentic.
Adapting Our Apple Cider Mulled Wine Recipe
Make this recipe yours. If you feel creative or prefer a different kind of wine or a different combination of fruits that may be more readily available at your farmers market, we say GO FOR IT. Play with your food. Change up this apple cider mulled wine recipe. Have a little fruit and spice with your wine. Here are some ideas:
- Try adding a little ginger flavored brandy or fresh sliced ginger to this recipe.
- Try adding a little cinnamon schnapps
- Make this recipe in advance and serve it chilled.
- Orange Blossom Honey pairs well with the added fruit and spices
Different adaptations can create unique mulled wine tastes, allowing you to control sweetness and flavor for a more enjoyable and authentic experience.
This recipe for homemade apple cider mulled wine is easy, and is perfect if you’re interested in trying your hand at it this holiday season. Make spiced mulled wine that rivals any professional chef with just a few simple ingredients. And don’t forget the spices! A mix of cloves, cinnamon, allspice, bay leaves, and orange peel will give your mulled wine that characteristic flavor everyone loves.
Consider serving mulled wine as an accompaniment to your Thanksgiving Feast, including cranberry relish and stuffed sweet potatoes, and caramelized pears.
Related Recipes and Drinks
If you enjoy apple cider mulled wine, you might also love other warm and spicy drinks that bring comfort and cheer. Here are a few recipes to try:
- Spiced Apple Cider: Combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and a few cloves in a pot and heat until warm. Serve with a cinnamon stick garnish for a non-alcoholic treat that’s just as cozy.
- Hot Buttered Rum: Mix rum, butter, brown sugar, and spices in a mug and heat until warm. This rich and indulgent drink is perfect for a cold night, served with a cinnamon stick garnish.
- White Wine Mulled with Citrus and Spices: For a lighter twist, combine white wine, orange slices, lemon slices, and spices in a pot and heat until warm. Serve with a slice of orange or lemon for a refreshing yet warming drink.
These recipes and ideas will help you enjoy the flavors of apple cider mulled wine and other delightful warm beverages throughout the holiday season.
Apple Cider Mulled Wine for Chilly Autumn Nights and Holiday Entertaining
Apple cider mulled wine is a must-have at any holiday party. This classic drink has been around for centuries and has spread throughout the world, each region adding their own twist. With only a few ingredients and a simple recipe, anyone can enjoy a warm and comforting cup of mulled wine at home. Whether you're looking to warm up after a long day or to entertain guests, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, grab a bottle of red wine, some apple cider, and Eastern Shore Honey, and get ready to cozy up with a cup of hot spiced wine.
Mulled Wine FAQs
What is the Best Wine to use for making Mulled Wine?
We suggest using a dry red wine, such as Syrah or Malbec. You could also use a Cab or Merlot. The key is to use a wine that's robust enough to withstand the addition of spices and sweeteners while maintaining its character. Choosing a wine with flavors of dark berries and hints of spice can enhance the overall taste of the hot spiced wine too.
How Long Should I Simmer Spiced Mulled Wine?
To allow the flavors to meld together, simmer the mulled wine on low heat for about 15 minutes. You can leave it for longer if you'd like, but be careful not to boil the wine, as it can affect the taste and texture and evaporate the alcohol.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, apple cider mulled wine can be made in advance and reheated when needed. In fact, allowing the flavors to blend overnight can enhance the taste. After preparing it, let it cool, strain out the spices, and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stove, being careful not to boil it.
If you decide to make this recipe or any variation we’ve suggested or your take, why not take a photo and share it with us using #beeinspired on Instagram? We love seeing your photos!
