The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to warm up and spread some cheer than with a classic and comforting cocktail? Welcome to Day 9 of our "12 Days of Cocktails" series, where we bring you the perfect winter elixir: Mulled Wine. This delightful concoction is sure to become a favorite at your holiday gatherings and cozy evenings by the fire.
Imagine sipping on a warm, fragrant blend of red wine, brandy, and honey, infused with the zesty brightness of oranges and lemons. The spices dance harmoniously, creating a symphony of flavors and aromas. This mulled wine recipe is the embodiment of winter comfort, making it the perfect choice to celebrate the holiday season.
Aromatic Bliss in a Glass
Our Mulled Wine recipe combines the richness of red wine with the subtle sweetness of honey or sugar. To enhance the flavor, we add brandy or orange liqueur, which gives the drink a lovely depth. The infusion of citrus slices, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and cardamom (if you're feeling adventurous) takes this cocktail to a whole new level. A hint of vanilla and a pinch of nutmeg provide the finishing touches, making each sip a delightful experience for your taste buds.
Warm your heart and your spirit with our Classic Mulled Wine, the perfect drink for Day 9 of our "12 Days of Cocktails." Whether you're enjoying it with friends, family, or just by yourself, this timeless winter beverage is sure to bring joy to your holiday season.
Cheers to winter warmth!
Love Cork Screw
For this recipe we used Love Cork Screw's "We're Movin on Up" Cabernet Sauvignon. Love Cork Screw is a remarkable venture by an exceptional Black woman, Chrishon Lampley, hailing from Chicago. The inception of Love Cork Screw stemmed not only from the ambition to provide an exceptional wine experience but also to champion marginalized communities and advocate for sustainability. Since its inception, Love Cork Screw has remained steadfast in its commitment to creating a positive global impact and nurturing an all-inclusive, welcoming community.
Savor the intricate richness of California Cabernet Sauvignon, featuring alluring fragrances of ripe, luscious cherries and deep, dark berries. Pair it with a juicy steak or a robust beef stew, a savory pot roast, or perfectly grilled veal or lamb to create an exceptional and memorable dining affair.
Because Diversity is the taste of life®!
Mulled Wine Recipe
Ingredients:
1 bottle (750ml) of Love Cork Screw "We're Movin On Up" Cabernet Sauvignon
1/4 cup brandy or orange liqueur (e.g., Triple Sec or Grand Marnier)
1/4 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
1 orange, sliced into rounds
1 lemon, sliced into rounds
1 cinnamon stick
4-6 whole cloves
3-4 star anise pods
2-3 cardamom pods (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of nutmeg (freshly grated, if possible)
Optional garnishes: orange or lemon zest, cinnamon sticks, and star anise
Directions:
In a large pot or saucepan, combine the red wine, brandy or orange liqueur, and honey or sugar. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar or honey dissolves.
Add the orange and lemon slices, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and cardamom pods (if using). Stir to combine.
Scrape the seeds from the split vanilla bean and add them to the pot. Drop the split vanilla bean into the mixture as well. If you're using vanilla extract instead, add it at this stage.
Heat the mixture over low heat, but do not let it come to a boil. Keep it at a gentle simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Taste the mulled wine and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or sugar if needed.
Just before serving, grate a pinch of fresh nutmeg into the pot and stir it in.
Ladle the mulled wine into heatproof glasses or mugs, ensuring each serving contains a slice of orange and lemon. Optionally, garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick, star anise, or citrus zest.
Serve your warm and aromatic mulled wine immediately.
Serve and enjoy your Mulled Wine!
This mulled wine recipe is perfect for warming up on cold winter evenings and is sure to be a hit at holiday gatherings. Adjust the sweetness and spice level to suit your taste preferences.
Remember to enjoy responsibly!
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