Description
Ina Garten’s hot spiced mulled wine brings warmth and cheer to winter gatherings with its rich blend of red wine, citrus, and aromatic spices. Simmering fragrant cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest creates a comforting drink you’ll want to savor by the fireplace.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Aromatics:
- 1 large navel orange
- 2 cinnamon sticks (3-inch)
- 8 whole dried cloves
- 4 whole dried star anise
Liquids:
- 4 cups (960 milliliters / 32 fluid ounces) fresh apple cider
- 1 bottle (750 milliliters / 25.4 fluid ounces) spicy red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon)
Sweetener:
- ¼ cup (85 grams / 3 ounces) liquid honey
Instructions
- Select a ripe, fragrant orange and meticulously slice away the zest using a precision knife, carefully avoiding the bitter white membrane. Extract the citrus juice directly into a spacious cooking vessel.
- Integrate the liquid components and aromatic spices into the saucepan, including apple cider (473 milliliters or 16 fluid ounces), robust red wine, golden honey, whole cinnamon bark, fragrant clove buds, and distinctive star anise. Incorporate 4 orange zest strips into the warming liquid, preserving remaining strips for elegant garnishing.
- Elevate the liquid mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce thermal intensity to create a gentle, flavor-infusing simmer. Allow the aromatic blend to meld and intensify for approximately 10 minutes, permitting the spices to release their complex essence.
- Carefully strain the infused beverage through a fine-mesh sieve into heat-resistant glassware or ceramic mugs. Adorn each serving with a reserved, artfully curled orange zest strip, presenting a visually appealing and warmth-inducing libation ready for immediate enjoyment.
Notes
- Steer Clear of Boiling: Gently warm the wine to preserve its delicate flavors and alcohol content, preventing a harsh or bitter taste that can ruin the cozy experience.
- Customize Sweet Levels: Experiment with different sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar to find your perfect balance of sweetness and depth.
- Select Quality Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that can stand up to the robust spices without becoming overwhelmed.
- Prep Spices Thoughtfully: Crush whole spices slightly before adding to release more intense flavors and create a more aromatic mulled wine experience.
- Let Flavors Mingle: Allow the spices to steep for at least 15-20 minutes off the heat, giving them time to infuse the wine with rich, complex notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg