I just recently discovered my love for mulled wine. However, I am not surprised by this new found love because I also love apple cider and it is very similar. Also, if you haven't figured it out by now I am a huge fan of anything that makes my home smell yummy and more "holidayish!"
Mulled wine is popular in Europe and a winter beverage that I have always been around and known about but for some reason had never tried until this past Thanksgiving when I decided I was going to make it for my family. My brother-in-law thought I kept saying I was going to serve "mold wine!" He didn't seem too thrilled about the idea at first but when the aroma filled the house he soon jumped on board and enjoyed a glass :-)
Below is the recipe I concocted, with the help of my dad's Grand Marnier suggestion. Enjoy!
Side note: How cute is the cork on this cheap bottle of wine? Sometimes the cheapies just know how to do it!
Serves 4-6 (depending on glass size)
Prep-Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 1+ hours with crock pot or 20 minutes stove top
Serve Warm
What You Will Need:
1 bottle of red wine (preferably something cheap and dry...I used a $4 bottle of Cabernet)
1/8 cup honey
1/2 cup grand marnier
8 whole cloves
1 medium-large orange (plus more for garnishing)
3 cinnamon sticks (plus more for garnishing)
Let's Get Started:
1) Pour the wine, grand marnier, cloves, honey and cinnamon sticks into your crock pot. Turn crock pot to high.
2) Zest about 85% of the orange into the pot. Then slice the orange and add slices into the mix.
3) Cover and let simmer until it starts to boils. With a crock pot this takes a bit longer but the house starts to smell yummy and the spices really mix in versus a quick boil (which still works if you prefer a pot)
4) Once the Mulled Wine is boiling turn down to warm but keep covered until you are ready to serve.
5) Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick and an orange slice and serve warm.
Red Lipstick is Optional
Enjoy and Happy Holidays Everyone!
XO
Jenna
