Print

Cozy Slow Cooker Mulled Wine Perfect for Winter Nights

cozy slow cooker mulled wine - featured image
Print Recipe

This slow cooker mulled wine is the perfect winter warmer, combining red wine with citrus, honey, and a blend of whole spices for a fragrant, comforting drink. It’s incredibly easy to make and ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) red wine (Merlot, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) orange juice
  • 1/4 cup (85 grams) honey
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • 3 whole cinnamon sticks (Ceylon preferred)
  • 2 whole star anise pods
  • 6 to 8 whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 3 slices fresh ginger (about 1/4 inch thick)
  • 4 whole cardamom pods, gently crushed
  • 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
  • 1 medium apple, cut into thin wedges
  • 1/4 cup fresh cranberries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the citrus and ginger: Wash the orange and slice into 1/4-inch rounds. Cut the apple into thin wedges, removing core and seeds. Peel a 2-inch piece of ginger and slice into 3 or 4 thin coins.
  2. Combine the liquids in the slow cooker: Pour the entire bottle of red wine into the slow cooker. Add the orange juice, honey, and water. Stir until the honey dissolves.
  3. Add the whole spices: Drop in the cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, allspice berries, ginger slices, and cardamom pods.
  4. Toss in the fruit: Add the orange slices, apple wedges, and cranberries (if using).
  5. Set the slow cooker to low: Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Do not let it boil.
  6. Taste and adjust: After 2 hours, taste and add more honey if desired, or cook longer for stronger spice flavor.
  7. Strain before serving (optional): For a clear drink, strain through a fine mesh strainer. For a rustic presentation, leave the fruit and spices in.
  8. Serve warm: Ladle into mugs, ensuring each serving gets a slice of orange or apple. Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick if desired.

Notes

Do not let the wine boil, as it will evaporate the alcohol and make the wine taste flat. Use whole spices for a clearer result; if using ground spices, tie them in a cheesecloth bundle. The mulled wine improves after sitting overnight in the refrigerator. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute red grape juice or apple cider for the wine and reduce honey to 2 tablespoons.

Nutrition

Keywords: mulled wine, slow cooker, winter drink, holiday, spiced wine, red wine, cinnamon, star anise, orange, apple

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/cozy-slow-cooker-mulled-wine-perfect-for-winter-nights/