Description

A cozy, easy-to-make spiced winter drink featuring red wine, fresh citrus, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. Perfect for holiday gatherings or chilly evenings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine (such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir)
2 large oranges, sliced into rounds (about 300g)
1 medium lemon, sliced into rounds (about 150g)
3–4 cinnamon sticks
10–12 whole cloves
2–3 star anise
4–5 cardamom pods, crushed
1 teaspoon allspice berries
½ cup (100g) dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
½ cup (120ml) brandy or orange liqueur

Instructions

Wash oranges and lemon thoroughly. Slice into thin rounds (about ¼-inch thick) and remove seeds.
Pour red wine into a large pot or Dutch oven.
Add sliced oranges, lemon slices, brown sugar, and honey. Stir gently to help sugar dissolve.
Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, cardamom pods, and allspice berries. Stir to distribute.
Place pot over medium-low heat. Warm slowly until small bubbles form around the edges. Do not boil.
Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Remove pot from heat.
Stir in brandy or orange liqueur.
Let steep off heat for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Strain into mugs or glasses, removing fruit and spices. Garnish with cinnamon stick or orange slice and serve hot.

Notes

Never boil the wine, as this cooks off the alcohol and makes the tannins bitter. Aim for a temperature of 160-180°F (70-80°C). Use whole spices only to avoid grittiness. This drink tastes even better the next day after steeping overnight in the fridge.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Beverage
Cuisine: German

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 glass
Calories: 180
Sugar: 14
Carbohydrates: 18
Fiber: 1

Keywords: mulled wine, Oktoberfest, winter drink, spiced wine, holiday recipe, easy cocktail, warm drink, red wine recipe