How to make mulled wine this Christmas, what is the best wine to use and is there a non-alcoholic version?
There's nothing more festive than the smell of a spiced mulled wine brewing on the hob
NOTHING quite says Christmas like the smell of smell of a spiced mulled wine warming on the hob.
But have you ever wondered how to make it at home or if there are booze-free versions? Wonder no more, here's what you need to know...
How to make mulled wine this Christmas?
You have two options for making mulled wine.
The first is to simply buy mulled wine spices and a bottle of red wine, heat them on the hob (without boiling) and hey presto.
If you prefer to make your mulled wine from scratch the here's our suggested recipe:
- In a saucepan heat a bottle of wine with half an orange (sliced), 60g sugar, a bayleaf, a cinammon stick, grated nutmeg, a tsp of cloves and star anise
- Heat gently - without letting it boil as you'll lose the alcohol - until the sugar has dissolved
- Take it off the heat and add in a double measure shot (50ml) of one of these spirits:
- Chambord - for a richer, sweeter taste
- Gin - for a modern floral twist
- Brandy - for a classic Christmasy flavour
What's the best wine to use for mulled wine?
As you're heating it and jamming in a load of other ingredients, the exact flavour the wine will be lost.
With that in mind save yourself some cash and go cheap.
Ideally a nice full bodied but inexpensive wine like this Shiraz from or the Garnacha from .
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Is there a non-alcoholic version of mulled wine?
Yes - of course! There's plenty of ways teetotallers, designated drivers and those who are still recovering from the night before can get in on the action.
A great alternative to mulled wine is a hot apple.
This is as simple as warming up apple juice with all the same mulled wine spices - or even just cinnamon if you prefer.
If you want something a little closer to the real deal then the may be right up your street.