Oma’s Mulled Wine

One of my favorite holiday traditions is sitting in “Switzerland” with my family and friends once the weather is cold here in Chicagoland and snowfall has covered the backyard. We dress up in our warmest coats, bring with us or coziest blankets, and plop our booties down at our outdoor table to drink warm mulled wine outside while enjoying lively conversation and gazing at the gorgeous landscape of snow. This mulled wine recipe comes from my cousin who married a German man, who got this recipe from his Oma, so you know it’s good. Enjoy!

Serves: 8

Prep time: 60 mins

Downloadable recipe: here

What You’ll Need

Mulled Wine Reduction

• 2 cups water

• 1/2 cup orange juice concentrate

• 1 ounce lemon juice

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 8 allspice berries

• 10 clove berries

• 8 juniper berries

• 1 tsp anise extract

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Wine

• 2 bottles dry red wine (Merlot, Grenache, or my favorite, Chambourcin)

How to Make

• First, let’s make our mulled wine reduction

  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring water, orange juice concentrate, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon sticks and allspice berries to a simmer (do not boil!). Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and slightly reduced, about 10 minutes. Next, add clove & juniper berries, let simmer another 15 min.

• Next, let’s add our wine and extracts

  • Add anise extract, vanilla extract, and 2 bottles of red wine.

• Finally, you’re ready to serve

  • Strain spices, and serve in your favorite glass mugs!