Mulled Wine- Easy Spiced Wine, also called as Glühwein made with red wine, fruits like orange, cranberries and apples, cider and brandy.
It's such an easy way to bring holiday cheer to your home!
Oh and the smell is so so wonderful! You wont need any special candles after making this! There is no candle that can rival the smell of a warm mulled wine.
You can either make it in the instant pot with just 1 minute of cooking, hands free or you can make it on stove top. Both these methods are quite easy, even for a novice cook.
There are only 3 steps
- Simmer Roughly Chopped fruits & Spices in red wine
- Strain it or not
- Make it pretty and Drink it! Yes that's all.
So lets get started and bring some much needed Holiday cheer in the house!
What is Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is sweeter, fruitier drink made with wine, spices and fruits. Usually Red wine is used in making mulled wine.
"Mulled" means heated. It's also used with fruits. Where you heat/ gently smash fruits along with sugar and spices.
Mulled Wine is a winter alcoholic drink that's served warm. It very popular during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Do you drink Mulled Wine hot or Cold
Mulled wine is served hot or warm. It's a winter drink that's usually served during thanksgiving or Christmas.
What does Mulled Wine taste like
It tastes sweeter and spicier than regular wine. Mulled wine is also very fragrant because of addition of fruits and spices.
It's also served warm so its a fall warming drink.
Ingredients for Mulled Wine
Red Wine- I honestly buy a cheap wine to make this. The flavors are all from the spices and fruits so even a cheap wine can be lifted into awesomeness with this.
Fruits- Apples & Oranges. Sometimes dry fruits like raisins are also added.
Spices- Cinnamon, Cloves & Star Anise. Do not use powdered versions. And definitely don't use old spices. By old I mean anything that's been in your pantry for more than 6-10 months.
Sugar- This is optional. You can add whatever kind of sugar you prefer.But in my mind when you are indulging and you do not have an allergy , go with white sugar or at max brown sugar.
Balance the sugar as per other ingredients especially if you are using juices or store-bought cider.
Apple Cider or Cranberry Juice- Traditionally apple cider is used in making mulled wine. You can use store-bought or make your own apple cider very easily. You can also use cranberry juice. Always taste the juice/ cider before using.That way you will know how much sugar is needed.
Brandy - You can spike the mulled wine with brandy. Port or cognac great alternatives for brandy in mulled wine. The idea is to use any brown alcohol that you already like. Don't go buying a bottle just for this but use what you have.
How to make Mulled Wine in Instant Pot
It's quite easy actually.The reason you would make Mulled Wine in the instant pot is simple.
- Controlled Heat
- Large Steel Pot
- Keep Warm Setting- to keep your mulled wine warm for longer.
Mulled wine is made at low heat. So I wouldn't suggest pressure cooking it. It's not only unsafe but it will burn off the alcohol in the wine. It could also make the mulled wine bitter.
Step 1: Prep
Cut all the fruits into chunks.
I like to keep them into large chunks that can be eaten later.Those boozy apples are just too yum!
Step 2: Add the fruits, cider, spices and sugar. Give it a good mix.
Step 3: Add the wine and Brandy. Select the Saute Mode on Low by pressing the sauté button a couple of times till the red light is on Low mode.
Let it heat through in low or slow cook setting for 10-15 minutes till it's simmering gently but not bubbling and definitely not boiling.
You can keep the wine in the keep warm "low" setting for upto 3-4 hours. That way you can serve the mulled wine warm anytime during the party!
How to make Mulled wine on stove top
Again, Exactly the same method but we have to be mindful of the heat from the stovetop.
Keep in mind that you cannot boil the wine. The mulled fruits, spices and the brandy need to infuse into the wine.
We do not boil the mulled wine or all the alcohol will evaporate.
Storing & Leftovers
Mulled wine will keep in the fridge for 1-2 days. In a air tight container.
To drink the wine, heat it on stover top of microwave till it's warm.
Doubling or Tripling the recipe
Serving Suggestions
Serve mulled wine with a wedge of fresh fruit and a few cranberries in it.This is one drink that can be dressed up to showcase the occasion.
You can also serve it in copper mugs.
Other instant pot festive recipes
Instant Pot Apple Cider
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
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Equipment Needed
Ingredients
- 1 Bottle Red Wine 750 ml
- 1 Oranges
- 1 Green Apple
- 1 Stick Cinnamon
- 2 Star Anise
- 5-6 Cloves
- 1 Cup Orange Juice * or Apple Cider or even water.
- ¼ Cup Brown Sugar* Optional
- ¼ Cup Brandy Optional
Instructions
Instant Pot Method
- Add the wine, orange and apple slices, spices- star anise, cloves and cinnamon.
- Pour in the orange juice or apple cider along with the sugar. Give it a mix.
- Close the instant pot lid. Select High Pressure for 1 minute with the valve closed.
- After the pressure cooking time is up, press cancel so the instant pot doesn't go to "keep warm" mode. Wait for 2-3 minutes before quick releasing the pressure.
- When releasing pressure- make sure there is no fire or smoking etc around the pressure stream as it will contain alcohol vapors.
- You can strain the wine at this stage and serve it warm in a mug along with a few left over spices as garnish
Stove Top Method
- Add all the ingredient in a deep pot.
- Bring to a gentle simmer on medium heat. Do not boil. Keep it in this stage for 20-30 minutes till the fruits soften.
- You can strain the wine at this stage and serve it warm in a mug along with a few left over spices as garnish
Video
Notes
Here are some commonly asked questions about Mulled wine.
Can you get Drunk off Mulled Wine
Yes. Though the alcohol in mulled wine is reduced, after heating the wine, its still enough to get drunk.
Does Heating Mulled Wine Burn of the Alcohol
Not completely. Though the alcohol percentage is definitely reduced.
If you boil the wine for longer, all the alcohol will evaporate.
How Alcoholic is Mulled Wine
Red Wine typically has 12-15% of alcohol.Mulled wine has lesser than that.
How do you Mull Wine without loosing Alcohol
Do not boil the mulled wine. You only gently simmer the wine till you see steam coming off. If you boil the wine, you will lose all the alcohol.
Why does my mulled wine taste bitter?
There are two possible reasons here. Sometimes the wine used has been open for too long before mulling. Second, you cooked and boiled it way too long.
What is a substitute for brandy in mulled wine?
A good substitute to Brandy in mulled wine is cognac and sherry. You can also leave brandy out all together
Can I heat mulled wine in the microwave?
To reheat the wine, you can microwave it in 30 second bursts.
What's the difference between Wine and Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is made with red wine, fruits, apple cider or orange juice and a brown alcohol, typically brandy. It's also served warm.
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