Things are about to get warm & fuzzy in here! This Mulled Cranberry Wine is the perfect cold weather drink – it warms the body and the soul!
It’s been a chilly few weeks. Sigh. It’s getting to that time of the year. I tried resisting. I kept flipflops on my feet as long as possible. A few days ago I came in with near frozen toes. The gig is up – it’s time to bundle up.
As the weather gets colder, the time spent outdoors just isn’t as enjoyable. Coming into a warm drink warms the body and the soul. Homemade hot cocoa for the kiddos and a warm, spiced boozy drink for the grown folk is a well deserved treat. Hmmm…now that cold weather might not seem so bad….
When I think of warm spiced drinks I think of Glühwein, a German mulled wine. See, a little of my German shines thru here & there.
My mulled wine is a bit different – I make it with cranberry juice. Homemade cranberry juice. It’s really not that difficult of a process – you’re just simmering berries & water. In my heart I feel this makes all the difference in this drink, but if you’re pressed for time you can certainly substitute store bought juice.
After complicating (hehe) one part of the process, I simplified another. I usually add a bundle of spices wrapped in cheesecloth and simmer for a length of time. This time, I just tossed in a few baggies of Spices For Hot Mulled Cider from Kauffman’s Fruit Farm & Market. I let it steep for about 5 minutes & “voila” – this drinky drink is all ready to warm you up.
Maybe I’m behind in times, but it’s the first time I’ve seen these Mulling Spice Bags – they’re awesome!!! They’re simply tea bags filled with all the necessary spices – cinnamon chips, orange peel, cloves, allspice, and pure orange oil. You’ll be instantly ready to make hot mulled cider, mulled wine, mulled juices or any other spiced drinks you can dream up.
I do suggest tasting and adjusting the flavors of your mulled wine as you go. You may find you want too add a little more sugar or wine. Most importantly, taste your wine 3 minutes after steeping with the spice bags. I found 5 minutes added the perfect amount of spice for my tastes, but you might prefer it a bit more mellow.
Of course this wine is intended to drink warm, but you can certainly drink it cold if you like. This can also be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it. Warm up in the microwave, stovetop or even in a slow cooker.
Serve with a smile and enjoy! Just sip responsibly – Warm Mulled Wine can sneak up on you 😉
Thanks for stopping by! Stay warm this winter!
-Amanda-
- 3 cups water
- 3 cups cranberries (12 oz bag)
- 3 cups red wine (i used a shiraz)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 bags of Mulling Spice (I used Kauffman's brand)
- fine mesh sieve & paper towels
- ***NOTE***You may substitute 3 cups cranberry juice if you didn't want to make it homemade - sugar amount will have to be reduced.
- Combine water and cranberries in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for about 25 minutes. All the berries should have "popped" and be softened.
- Pour juice thru a fine mesh sieve, pressing berries down with a spatula or spoon to release all juice.
- Discard berries. (my chickens love them!!!)
- I find that quite a few seeds make it thru my sieve, so I strain the juice again by pouring it over a paper towel lined sieve
- Return juice to saucepan.
- Add wine, sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes, stirring often, until all sugar has dissolved.
- Remove from heat and add 4 bags of mulling spice. Steep for 3-5 minutes. Taste after 3 minutes, if you desire more spice, let steep for an additional 2 minutes.
- Taste and make any adjustments. You may prefer more sugar or wine.
- Serve warm (or cold if you'd like) and enjoy. Mulled Wine can be made ahead of time and stored in a sealed jar/bottle in fridge. Reheat in microwave, stovetop or slow cooker.
*I am partnering with Kauffman’s Fruit Farm as a blog ambassador. I have received complimentary products from Kauffman’s Fruit Farm, however, all opinions remain completely my own. This post includes alcohol beverages and is intended for adults 21 & over*
I love mulled wine. This spiced cranberry wine looks absolutely divine.
Thank you so much, Anu! This mulled wine didn’t last long in my house 😉
Oh this looks so perfectly festive, warming, and delicious!
Thanks so much, Amy! It’s one of my favorite drinks to serve during the holidays, or cold days, or Saturdays lol 🙂
I love the sound of this mulled wine. I wine and the cranberries sound like a wonderful combination. It sounds like a perfect drink for a cold winter night. We had a great Thanksgiving Day. I hope yours was great, too!!
I love your pictures and presentation, very lovely!!
Thanks so much, Dawn! We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are getting ready for “Round 2” of it today! Very excited 🙂
This is so Christmassy! Mulled wine is so addictive and delicious and you have paired it nicely with cranberries. They look so pretty! Love this.
Thank you so much, Alida! It is such a Christmas drink – which reminds me – I’ll have to make more for when we decorate our tree 🙂
This looks lovely!! I will be trying this! Cheers!
Thanks, Katie! I hope you love it – Happy Holidays 🙂