This non alcoholic mulled wine recipe is a great alternative for children, drivers or anyone who wants to enjoy the festive season alcohol free.
I think I hit the jackpot with this mulled wine and this is why I’m VERY, no scrap that I’m super excited to share this recipe. It’s heart warming courtesy of the array of spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves and star anise. Then there’s that fruity flare from the cranberry and red grape juice which balances its self out with the zestiness of orange and lemon. This spicy concoction is prepared and ready to drink within an hour
What is mulled wine
In short, mulled wine is a beverage that is made from red wine with an assortment of spices infused. The drink is served warm throughout various parts of Europe during the Christmas period.
The good news is mulled wine is typically vegan/gluten free making it suitable for most dietary requirements.
Does mulled wine contain alcohol
Yes it does and the percentage of alcohol will vary according to the manufacturers/brand. Although, mulled wine is known as an alcoholic beverage (clue is in the name) you can find stores that stock non alcoholic versions of this drink as well.
What does mulled wine taste like
To me, I think mulled wine is a combination of warmth from the spices with my a sweet/fruity berry flavour with a subtle taste of citrus. It reminds me of a heated version of my beloved Caribbean Christmas beverage called sorrel.
Ingredients needed to make non alcoholic mulled wine
- Cranberry juice
- Red grape juice
- Orange
- Lemon
- Water
- Agave nectar
- Star anise
- Cinnamon sticks
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Cardamom pods
How to make non alcoholic mulled wine
- Pour the cranberry juice, red grape and water into a medium sized saucepan on medium heat
- Then add the slices of orange, lemon along with the spices – cardamom pods, star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves and nutmeg.
- Bring to the boil then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan and simmer for 15 minutes.
- During the time do a taste test to determine how much sweetness you desire.
- After the given time remove the saucepan from the stove and leave to steep for another 15 minutes
- Use a sieve/muslin cloth to strain the excess spices and fruit.
- Squeeze half the orange over the ready made mulled wine if including then stir
- Serve warm (re-heat strained if needed) in heat proof glasses
Tips and notes for making the best non alcoholic mulled wine
- Excluding the nutmeg, try to use whole spices, pods, sticks etc.. and not dried ones as you can control the flavours much better when they aren’t in their dried form.
- Use pure cranberry and red grape juice, double check the labels to make sure there’s no excess ingredients because things like sweetener can impact the overall sweetness of the mulled wine.
- DON’T leave the mulled wine to steep overnight, the flavours will become unbalanced and one ingredient is likely to overpower the other.
- Remove the fruit slices and whole spices before serving, no one wants a mouthful of cloves or cardamom pods so be mindful of that.
- Make sure the mulled wine is only heated up NOT boiled and serve in heat proof glasses
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best way to store the mulled wine
Allow it to cool down completely before pouring into a jug to store any leftovers. Keep refrigerated and simply warm up what you need/want accordingly.
How long does this mulled wine last
I would say keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Although it doesn’t last very long around here.
Who is this drink suitable for
It’s suitable for almost anyone. I geared the recipe towards those who don’t drink, drivers who want to be involved in the festive period without the boozy effect, children and pregnant women.
More winter drink recipes
Vegan pumpkin spice hot chocolate
White hot chocolate recipe
Non alcoholic mulled wine
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups cranberry juice 500ml
- 2 1/4 cups red grape juice 500ml
- 1 cup of water 250ml
- 4 orange slices
- 3 lemon slices
- 3 Star anise
- 3 Cinnamon sticks
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 10 Cloves
- 4 Cardamom pods
- Agave syrup to taste
- A squeeze of half an orange optional
Instructions
- Pour the cranberry juice, red grape and water into a medium sized saucepan on medium heat
- Then add the slices of orange, lemon along with the spices - cardamom pods, star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves and nutmeg.
- Bring to the boil then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan and simmer for 15 minutes.
- During the time do a taste test to determine how much sweetness you desire.
- After the given time remove the saucepan from the stove and leave to steep for another 15 minutes
- Use a sieve/muslin cloth to strain the excess spices and fruit.
- Squeeze half the orange over the ready made mulled wine if including then stir
- Serve warm (re-heated strained if needed) in heat proof glasses
Notes
- Excluding the nutmeg, try to use whole spices, pods, sticks etc.. and not dried ones as you can control the flavours much better when they aren't in their dried form.
- Use pure cranberry and red grape juice, double check the labels to make sure there's no excess ingredients because things like sweetener can impact the overall sweetness of the mulled wine.
- DON'T leave the mulled wine to steep overnight, the flavours will become unbalanced and one ingredient is likely to overpower the other.
- Remove the fruit slices and whole spices before serving, no one wants a mouthful of cloves or cardamom pods so be mindful of that.
- Make sure the mulled wine is only heated up NOT boiled and serve in heat proof glasses
Nutrition
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