Warm up your winter with a glass of mulled wine

 
**This is a collaborative post**
 
Tis the season to enjoy a spiced glass of mulled wine. As the days grow colder, there’s something very comforting about sipping this aromatic winter warmer.

Mulled wine is the ultimate festive drink. Its rich, spiced aroma and warming qualities make it a must-serve on Christmas day, at festive markets and over get-togethers with friends and family.

Read on as we suggest some of the best options to try, the ultimate mulled wine recipe, and some creative twists on the classic.
 

Choosing the right wine

 
The foundation of great mulled wine lies in selecting the right wine. So, which one should you opt for?

When it comes to making traditional mulled wine, start with a robust bottle of red wine such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz. These wines are packed with deep fruit flavours and have enough body to hold their own and balance the warming spices you’ll be adding.

Choose an affordable bottle – there’s no need to splurge on a pricey bottle of red – the spices and heat will mask the subtle notes of a high-end wine. Instead, look for a good quality, affordable wine that you enjoy drinking on its own as the core flavours will still be there. That way, you’ll enjoy the great flavour without the high price tag.

Wines with fruity undertones will complement the traditional spices in your mulled wine. Think dark berries like blackberry and black cherry, red fruits such as raspberry, citrus fruit and stone fruits like plum.

Ready to try your hand at making mulled wine? Here’s a classic recipe you can adjust to make your own.
 

The Ultimate Mulled Wine Recipe

 
Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Shiraz works well)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves
• 2 star anise
• Zest or peel of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
• Fresh berries or orange to garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine the ingredients – Combine the wine, spices, orange zest, and sugar in a large saucepan.
2. Heat the wine gently – Warm your wine over low heat, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let your mixture boil.
3. Infuse the flavours – Let the mulled wine simmer for at least 15 minutes.
4. It’s ready to serve – Strain the spices and serve hot in a heatproof glass or ceramic mug garnished with fruit and spices if desired.

Find your spice combination

 
Spices give mulled wine its signature aroma, and you can adjust the additions to your recipe according to personal taste to make it your own. Mix and match a few of your favourite aromatics to find your favourite flavour combinations.

For example, in the recipe above, cinnamon adds a sweet, woody flavour, cloves add warmth, and the star anise provides a sweet, liquorice-like note. Want to try other spices? Nutmeg can bring a sweet, nutty flavour to your mulled wine, while bay leaves give an herbal, slightly floral note that can balance sweetness. To add a subtle warmth and complexity, you could use peppercorns. Cardamom brings a warm, slightly citrusy, and exotic flavour that complements traditional spices.
 

Creative twists on classic mulled wine

 
Want to put a new spin on your mulled wine? Here are a few delicious ideas:

1. Apple and brandy mulled wine

Add fresh apple slices and a splash of brandy (about 50ml to a bottle of wine) – just add these to your mulled wine at the infusion stage. The apple brings sweetness and freshness, while brandy adds depth.

2. Mulled white wine

Instead of red wine, try a dry white like Chardonnay. Depending on its style, its flavours can range from crisp apple and pear to buttery and oaky, adding depth to your mulled wine. Just substitute the red wine in your recipe for a bottle of white and consider adding ginger or vanilla.

3. Berry infused mulled wine

Infuse your wine with delicious mixed berries. Simply add a handful of frozen berries of your choice to your wine as you heat it up. Berries can enhance the flavour and colour of your mulled wine.
 

Secrets to the perfect mulled wine

 
Do:

• Use whole spices – They infuse the wine without leaving a gritty texture.
• Add a sweetener – Brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup enhance the flavour.
• Experiment with additions – Add a splash of brandy, port, or fruit juice for extra depth.

Don’t:

• Overheat the wine – Boiling can cause the alcohol to evaporate, dulling the wine’s depth.
• Overdo the spices – Less is more, and over-spicing can overwhelm the palate.
• Use wine you wouldn’t drink – If you wouldn’t sip it on its own, it won’t make a good mulled wine.