Is mulled wine a cocktail? Does it taste good, have alcohol and quench a thirst? Then let's go ahead and say, Yes It Is! WRRV's 12 Days of Cocktails continue on this chilly snow weekend with Day 7, mulled wine.

I make this on the stove, but if you have a few hours before you need it. you can assemble the ingredients in your slow cooker and heat on low for about 3 hours, and then switch it to warm and serve the mulled wine from the vessel when your guests arrive.

Apple Mulled Wine

Ingredients:

  • (1) 750ml bottle of red (or white) wine. Go with something inexpensive and fruity. For a red, a Shiraz or Pinot Noir will work well. But if Cabernet is on sale, go ahead and get that. Don't stress. There really isn't a thing called 'The Wine Police.'
  • 2-3 cups of Apple Cider, it can be spiced or regular
  • 1 cup of brandy, again something inexpensive is ok, look for something that costs 9-12 dollars or so. Some brands that your store might have include, Korbel, Christian Brothers, E&J, all of them will work and you will have enough left over for eggnog.
  • 3 Tablespoons of mulling spices. If you are not a spice hoarder like myself, just look for the package in the spice racks simply marked Mulling Spices, try to find one that does not have sugar added to it, unless you like things on the sweeter side. When I buy it, I use Penzeys. If you are a spice hoarder, I will have a recipe for you to make your own at the bottom. .
  • A few pieces of orange peel or orange slices
  • A few additional cinnamon sticks for garnish, but not required.

Add the wine, brandy, apple cider, mulling spices and orange peel (or slices) to a saucepan. Allow to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until steaming and fragrant. Should you have any extra left over, allow to cool, refrigerate it then slowly warm. Do not allow the mixture to boil. You will loose some of the alcohol.

Other names for mulled wine, Glogg, Gluhwein.

Mulling spices (there are many versions of this)

  • 6 cinnamon sticks, broken in half or thirds
  • 1 Tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 Teaspoon whole allspice
  • if you have it dried orange peel, approx 1 rounded Teaspoon

 

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