Ahh mulled wine, otherwise known as the official smell of the holiday season. Red wine, cinnamon spices, and citrus scents melded together bring me back to the holiday markets in Prague, the yearly white elephant parties cramming our friends in a two bedroom apartment, and the winter nights by the fire pit surrounded by loved ones, warm mug in hand. In a year filled with uncertainty and transition, this recipe is full of nostalgia and comfort and just what we need to recenter before the new year.
The best part? It takes less than 10 minutes to prep and requires minimal ingredients. And, it doubles as a candle that fills your whole house with Christmas smelling deliciousness. You can make it in a Crock Pot or just the old fashioned way with a pot simmering over the stove top. This year we are loving our mulled wine with 2014 Zinfandel because its raspberry fruit flavors and light tannins provide balance to the spices. Sometimes mulled wine can turn out a little dry, but with a fruitier wine you really can enjoy all the flavors.
We hope you enjoy our family recipe and enjoy it as much as we do!
Ingredients:
1 Bottle Rancho Roble 2014 Zinfandel
Apple Cider (whatever room is left in the Crock Pot)
1 orange, sliced into rounds
4-5 Cinnamon Sticks
2 Tablespoons of Whole Cinnamon Cloves
2 spoonfuls of honey
Directions:
1. Add bottle of wine to Crock Pot. Add apple cider until Crock Pot is filled.
2. Add orange slices, cinnamon (sticks and cloves) and honey to the Crock Pot.
3. Heat on low for up to 4 hours or until warm. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together. Enjoy with fresh orange slices if desired in mugs.
Notes:
If using a stovetop, place in large pot and simmer the cider covered over low heat on the stovetop for about 1 hour.
Fresh apple cider (Did somebody say Apple Hill?!) works best with the recipe. Unfiltered apple juice also works well.
We will be selling mulled wine packets to go with your wine, so visit us and save the hassle of going to the grocery store for extra ingredients.
Have you tried our mulled wine? Do you have a favorite holiday drink? Let us know in the comments below!
