Happy Friday! This hot spiced wine is the perfect way to celebrate. My first experience with hot spiced wine was 2 years ago at the Christkindl Market here in Chicago. It’s a fun little market in the middle of the city that sells Christmas-ware like beautiful handcrafted Christmas ornaments. They also sell Gluwein, ie. hot mulled wine, in a commemorative cup. On a cold night, it’s just perfect. I wanted to recreate something similar at home so I could have a batch that to sip on whenever I wanted this winter. The other bonus of making it at home? I can better control just how much sugar goes into it. π
This version is naturally sweetened with the cider, orange juice, and honey. You can always adjust the amount of honey you used to better meet your preference for sweetness. This hot spiced wine recipe makes enough for about 5-6 servings, depending on how generous your pour is, so it is perfect for holiday parties! For the wine, I picked a dry Pinot Noir that had a little bit of fruitiness to it. However, you could substitute a Merlot or Zinfandel.
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This hot spiced wine is the perfect cocktail for the coldest winter nights. Since it makes enough for a small crowd, invite your friends over to enjoy a glass with you!
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Pinot Noir (or other dry, red wine)
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/2 orange, juiced (~1 1/2 tablespoons)
- 3–4 orange slices
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole star anise
- 8 whole cloves
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- Orange slices for garnish
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- Add wine, cider, orange juice, orange slices, honey, and cinnamon sticks to a medium saucepan and turn heat on low.
- Place star anise and cloves in a tea bag and seal. Drop into the pot with the rest of the ingredients.
- Heat on very low for about 30 minutes or until fragrant. Do not simmer or boil.
- Stir in the bourbon.
- Before serving, remove orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and tea bag.
- Serve hot in glasses garnished with orange slices and cinnamon sticks.
Okay…this just looks way too yummy. Is it Christmas yet? π
I rarely drink red wine, but THIS I could do! I’ll be making this for the cookie swap this weekend! Thanks for sharing – and BEAUTIFUL photos BTW π
Thanks!! I hope you like it, Anne! Have fun at your cookie swap. π
How lovely! I love the apple cider!
Thanks Rebecca! Apple cider is a favorite of mine too! π