How to make hot mulled wine with cinnamon

Mulled wine is a delicious, warm beverage that is perfect for cozy winter evenings or holiday gatherings. The addition of cinnamon adds a touch of warmth and spice to the already flavorful drink. Making your own hot mulled wine with cinnamon is quick and easy, and it will fill your home with a delightful aroma that will surely impress your guests. Here is a simple recipe to guide you through the process.

Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of red wine (preferably a bold and fruity variety)
– 1 cup of orange juice
– 1 cup of apple cider
– 1/4 cup of honey or sugar (adjust according to your sweetness preference)
– 1 orange, sliced
– 6 whole cloves
– 3 cinnamon sticks
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional for extra flavor)
– Extra cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pour the red wine into a large saucepan. Choose a wine that you enjoy drinking on its own, as the taste of the wine will be accentuated when mulled.

2. Add the orange juice and apple cider to the saucepan and stir gently to combine.

3. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. It is important not to bring the mixture to a boil; instead, you want to gently warm it to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally to prevent the wine from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.

4. Add the honey or sugar to the saucepan, adjusting the amount to suit your desired level of sweetness. Stir until the sweetener has dissolved.

5. Insert the whole cloves into the slices of orange and carefully add them to the saucepan. This will infuse the mulled wine with a lovely citrus flavor.

6. Break the cinnamon sticks into smaller pieces and add them to the saucepan. Stir gently to distribute the cinnamon throughout the mixture.

7. Allow the mulled wine to simmer on low heat for approximately 20-30 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t come to a boil. This will allow all the flavors to blend together.

8. If desired, add ground cinnamon to intensify the cinnamon flavor. Sprinkle it into the pan and stir well.

9. After simmering, remove the mulled wine from the heat and strain it to remove the orange slices and cloves. This step ensures a smooth and silky texture in your finished beverage.

10. Serve the hot mulled wine in heatproof glasses or mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for added presentation and an extra hint of cinnamon aroma.

Enjoy your homemade hot mulled wine with cinnamon alongside a crackling fire or at your next winter gathering. The combination of flavors from the red wine, orange, apple cider, and sweet cinnamon will delight your taste buds and warm your soul. Remember, you can always adjust the sweetness and spices to suit your personal preference. Cheers to a delightful and cozy winter season!