Whether you’re curling up by the fire or hosting a festive get-together, mulled wine (also known as spiced wine) is the perfect drink to get into the holiday spirit. Originally used to salvage bad batches of wine, mulled wine has evolved over the centuries into a seasonal favorite, capturing the cozy flavors of winter right in your glass. The best part? It’s both incredibly easy to make and is a great way to turn any leftover or off-tasting wine into a crowd-pleasing treat.
How is mulled wine made?
The ingredients for mulled wine vary from recipe to recipe, but the base spices remain the same: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and star anise (Pro Tip: use the whole spice instead of powders for maximum flavor). Some recipes may also call for a sweetener using orange rinds, apple juice, honey, or a splash of brandy.
To make mulled wine, mix all your ingredients into a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and your kitchen is enveloped in the comforting aromas of mulling spices and citrus. Need more direction? My mulled wine recipe below will help walk you through each step.
Pro Tip: Keep the wine at a simmer. Boiling will burn off the alcohol and make the spices overwhelming.
What wine is best for mulled wine?
You won’t hear me say this often, but you should skip on splurging for an expensive bottle when making mulled wine. The subtle intricacies of a fine wine will get lost in the mulling process. Instead, I recommend you choose a bold, full-bodied wine with a strong flavor profile that can stand up to the addition of spices and sweeteners.
Not sure where to start? Here are my top 8 wines for a delicious mulled wine.
- Malbec
The rich, full-bodied nature of Malbec brings depth and intensity to mulled wine. With moderate acidity and medium tannins, this wine will create a well-balanced winter cocktail with a strong finish that will keep you coming back for more.
- Grenache
Grenache, known for its berry flavors and cinnamon aromas, is a classic crowd-pleaser and an excellent choice for your mulled wine holiday party recipe. The bright fruitiness and low tannins result in a drink that is smooth and approachable for a variety of palates.
- Syrah
If you’re looking for bold, a bottle of Syrah is the way to go. Dark and intense with peppery notes, Syrah’s unique character will bring a spicy edge to your glass that doesn’t compromise on depth or flavor.
- Merlot
Merlot offers a softer profile that’s ideal for a more mellow tasting experience. The velvety texture and ripe fruit flavors will blend beautifully with the mulling spices, creating a profile that’s less intense yet still packed with flavor.
- Red Zinfandel
The jammy nature and underlying spice of Red Zinfandel complement the mulled wine flavors of cinnamon and clove. Its medium body paired with low tannins and high alcohol allows it to withstand the mulling process for a rich, satisfying drink.
- Red Blend
When it comes to making a great tasting mulled wine, you can’t go wrong with a red blend. Look for bottles with raspberry or cherry or notes of vanilla to create a harmonious blend of fruit and spice.
- Tempranillo
If fruit-forward isn’t your preference, consider a Tempranillo. This Spanish red boasts earthy undertones and notes of tobacco, leather, and dark fruit that add a layer of complexity and can help temper the fruity flavors typical in mulled wine.
- Riesling
Feeling adventurous? Don’t be afraid to stray from tradition with a white wine. While red tends to be the go-to choice, an aromatic white with natural sweetness like a Riesling can produce a smoother mulled wine with a refreshing floral twist.
Now go forth and embark on your mulled wine-making (or warming) journey and impress your family and friends with your viticultural skills.
Before the holidays come to a close, give yourself (or a friend) the gift of wine education with my online wine course. Designed to be self-paced and beginner-friendly, you can sit by a fire with your glass of mulled wine and complete the course in a single afternoon!
Sources:
1: https://www.talonwinebrands.com/all-about-mulled-wine/
2: https://winefolly.com/lifestyle/mulled-wine/
3: https://cookieandkate.com/classic-mulled-wine-recipe/
4: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/mulled-wine-recipe/