Ina Garten’s Warming Mulled Wine Recipe for Festive Gatherings

Warm, spiced mulled wine emerges as a delightful winter comfort that Ina Garten perfects with her elegance.

Aromatic spices dance through this classic beverage, creating a symphony of flavors that instantly comfort cold evenings.

Each sip promises a rich blend of red wine, citrus, and warming spices that wrap you in cozy sophistication.

The recipe brings together simple ingredients that elevate a standard drink into a luxurious experience.

Fragrant cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange zest mingle harmoniously in this inviting libation.

Elegant yet approachable, this mulled wine turns ordinary moments into memorable celebrations.

You’ll want to savor every warm, spiced drop of this delectable winter treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Ina Garten Mulled Wine

• Apple Cider: Brings a sweet, tangy foundation that adds depth and warmth to the mulled wine.
• Red Wine: Provides a rich, robust backdrop that creates the core of the festive beverage.
• Orange Juice: Adds bright, citrusy notes that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Honey: Introduces natural sweetness and creates a smooth, silky texture to balance the wine's intensity.

• Cinnamon Sticks: Infuse a classic warm, woody flavor that defines traditional mulled wine.
• Cloves: Contribute a deep, pungent spiciness that adds complexity and winter-like warmth.
• Star Anise: Delivers a subtle licorice-like essence that rounds out the spice blend.

• Orange Zest: Releases concentrated citrus oils that provide a bright, fragrant undertone to the drink.
• Orange Peel: Serves as a beautiful garnish that adds visual appeal and a fresh citrus aroma.

Tools Needed for Ina Garten Mulled Wine

• Large Saucepan: Essential for mixing and simmering all ingredients together.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring the wine mixture while it heats.
• Vegetable Peeler: Helps create orange zest and garnish orange peel.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Sharp Knife: Cleanly cuts orange peel for garnish.
• Mugs: Warm vessels for serving the cozy mulled wine.

How to Prepare Ina Garten Mulled Wine

• Aromatic Liquid Fusion

Combine all your warming ingredients in a spacious cooking pot, creating a delightful blend of fruity and spicy essences that will transform your kitchen into a cozy winter haven.

• Gentle Heat Transformation

Allow the mixture to slowly bubble and develop rich, complex flavors, letting the spices mingle and release their deep, comforting aromatics over a soft, low flame.

• Serving Elegance

Pour the steaming, fragrant liquid into inviting mugs, adding a graceful twist of fresh orange peel as a final, sophisticated touch that hints at the delectable warmth waiting inside.

Spice Tips for Ina Garten Mulled Wine

• Adjust the number of cinnamon sticks and star anise to customize the mulled wine's warmth and depth of flavor, allowing you to create a milder or more robust brew.
• Swap red wine with non-alcoholic grape juice for a family-friendly version, or add a splash of brandy for an extra kick that elevates the drink's complexity.
• Toss in fresh apple slices or cranberries while simmering to introduce additional layers of fruity sweetness and create a more visually appealing presentation.
• Keep the mulled wine warm in a slow cooker during gatherings, ensuring guests can enjoy a consistently heated and inviting beverage throughout the evening.
• Experiment with seasonal spices like nutmeg or cardamom to transform the recipe and match different holiday or winter mood variations.

Ways to Enjoy Ina Garten Mulled Wine

• Warm Winter Gathering: Invite friends over for a cozy evening and serve this mulled wine as a delightful centerpiece that sparks conversation and warmth.
• Pair with Festive Treats: Complement the spiced wine with holiday cookies, chocolate truffles, or soft cheese and crackers to enhance the rich, warming flavors.
• Fireside Sipping Ritual: Create a magical moment by enjoying this mulled wine near a crackling fireplace, wrapped in a soft blanket during chilly winter nights.
• Elegant Holiday Entertaining: Present the mulled wine in beautiful ceramic mugs or vintage glassware to elevate the drinking experience and impress your guests with a sophisticated touch.

Storing Ina Garten Mulled Wine Properly

• Store Smartly: Transfer any leftover mulled wine to an airtight glass container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Gently: Warm the mulled wine slowly on the stovetop over low heat to maintain its delicate flavors and avoid boiling.
• Batch Prepare: Make a larger quantity in advance for easy entertaining, storing extra batches in sealed mason jars in the refrigerator.
• Freeze with Care: While possible, freezing might slightly alter the wine's texture and spice intensity, so fresh preparation is recommended for best taste.

Warming Ina Garten Mulled Wine Recipe

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mulled wine by Ina Garten warms cold winter nights with rich, spiced flavors from red wine, cinnamon, and citrus. Guests will savor this comforting classic cocktail that brings Mediterranean charm to holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (750-ml) bottle of red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon), standard/US
• 4 cups apple cider, standard/US
• ¼ cup honey, standard/US
• 1 orange, zested and juiced, standard/US
• 4 oranges, peeled (for garnish), standard/US
• 2 cinnamon sticks, standard/US
• 4 whole cloves, standard/US
• 3 star anise, standard/US

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Merge apple cider, red wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, orange zest, orange juice, cloves, and star anise into a spacious saucepan, crafting a luscious aromatic liquid foundation.
2. Heating Process: Elevate the mixture to a medium-high temperature until it reaches a soft bubbling point, then swiftly reduce heat to low, allowing the spices to release their complex flavors through a patient 10-minute steeping ritual.
3. Refinement: Carefully filter the mulled wine through a fine-mesh strainer, extracting whole spices to create a velvety smooth liquid that captures the essence of winter warmth.
4. Presentation: Pour the heated elixir into pre-warmed ceramic vessels, adorning each serving with a graceful curl of fresh orange peel to amplify the citrus undertones and create a visually enticing experience.
5. Serving Recommendation: Distribute the mulled wine immediately while temperature peaks, inviting guests to immerse themselves in this harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and vibrant flavor profiles.

Notes

• Spice Steeping Strategy: Allow exactly 10-12 minutes of low-heat steeping to extract maximum flavor without bitter undertones, preventing over-extraction of spices.
• Wine Selection Wisdom: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that balances well with the spices and won’t overpower the cider’s sweetness.
• Temperature Control Tip: Monitor heat carefully to prevent boiling, which can burn off alcohol and diminish the rich, complex flavor profile of the mulled wine.
• Garnish Game Changer: Fresh orange peel twist not only adds visual appeal but releases essential oils that enhance the drink’s aromatic complexity and elevate the overall sensory experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Drinks, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg