Making Mulled Wine at Home for the Holidays

There is something about this 2020 holiday season that has got me yearning for all kinds of traditional holiday treats and pastimes that I have not observed in many years. Maybe it can be looked at as a silver lining to all of the hardships that this year has brought upon us. That’s how I am choosing to look at it, and in this case, my glass is half (or more than half) full of mulled wine.

This festive beverage known as Glühwein in Germany is traditionally made using cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, cloves, sugar, citrus and red wine. I like to also add a small amount of bourbon to mine, because, well… bourbon. You can also substitute honey or maple syrup in place of sugar. One amazing option could be Woodinville Whiskey Company’s barrel-aged maple syrup. I used 2 ounces of  JP Trodden black label small batch bourbon and freshly squeezed orange juice and orange zest.

Simply add all ingredients to a pot, stir and simmer until served.  Not only will you impress guests with the wonderful smells of holiday spices, but you will put smiles on their faces and warm their bellies too.

Here is the simply recipe that I used. I served it these cute clear glass mugs. The house smelled like Christmas!

(Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you)

 

Mulled Wine Recipe

1 bottle of red wine (Woodinville wine is preferred in our house)

1/2 C sugar

3 cinnamon sticks

6 whole cloves

6 star anise pods, bruised to release aromatics

1 orange, halved and 1/2 juiced into pot, remaining half used for garnish slices.

1 tsp grated orange zest

 

 https://www.instagram.com/reel/CIKTuT0gNQQ/?igshid=16byo0jt40t4

 

Cheers!

~ Jen