We confess, traditional mulled wine never quite captured our hearts. The idea of hot wine with an assortment of spices always felt… a bit underwhelming. We’d sampled numerous versions over the years, each leaving us longing for something more. This culinary challenge ignited a mission: to craft a mulled wine recipe that wasn’t just palatable, but truly irresistible – a festive beverage we would genuinely crave and eagerly share throughout the holiday season. After extensive experimentation and joyful tinkering in our kitchen, we proudly present our unique take: Mulled Wine with Amaretto and Brandy. This concoction is an absolute triumph, brimming with rich, complex flavors and an inviting warmth. It’s destined to become the star of your holiday cocktail lineup this year, transforming any gathering into a truly special occasion with its unique depth and delightful aroma.

The Ultimate Mulled Wine: A Holiday Essential with an Amaretto & Brandy Twist

Mulled wine, known by various names such as “Glühwein” in Germany, “Vin Chaud” in France, and “Glögg” in Nordic countries, is a quintessential winter warmer that has graced tables for centuries. This aromatic, spiced beverage dates back to ancient Roman times, evolving into a cherished tradition across Europe and beyond. It typically consists of red wine, gently heated and infused with a medley of aromatic spices, fresh citrus, and often a touch of sweetener. Traditionally enjoyed during the colder months, at bustling Christmas markets, or beside a comforting fireplace, mulled wine embodies the very spirit of warmth, conviviality, and festive cheer. Our distinctive take on this time-honored classic elevates it further, introducing unexpected layers of sophisticated flavor that promise to make your holiday celebrations truly unforgettable and uniquely delicious.

Selecting the Perfect Red Wine for Your Mulled Masterpiece

The foundation of any truly exceptional mulled wine is, naturally, the wine itself. While there’s no need to splurge on an ultra-premium bottle, choosing a red wine that you genuinely enjoy drinking on its own is absolutely paramount. Think of it as crafting a gourmet dish – you wouldn’t start with subpar ingredients and expect a magnificent result. The same principle applies here: if the base wine isn’t appealing to your palate before mulching, no amount of added spices or spirits will magically transform it into something divine.

For mulled wine, we highly recommend selecting a red wine that is **dark, fruity, and full-bodied**. These characteristics are crucial as they allow the wine to robustly stand up to the potent flavors of the added spices, citrus, and spirits without being overshadowed or lost. Our top recommendations for achieving a perfectly balanced and flavorful mulled wine include:

• Merlot: Celebrated for its soft tannins, lush notes of plum, cherry, and sometimes hints of chocolate or vanilla. Merlot provides a smooth, approachable, and versatile base that welcomes a variety of spices.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: A classic and dependable choice, offering deep dark fruit flavors like blackcurrant, often accompanied by subtle notes of green bell pepper, mint, and cedar. Its structured body can beautifully support the rich spice profile without becoming thin.
• Grenache (or Garnacha): This varietal often brings a juicy, bright red fruit character (think raspberry and strawberry) complemented by notes of white pepper and a wonderfully warming finish. It’s particularly lovely for a mulled wine with a more vibrant and aromatic lift.
• Zinfandel (or Primitivo): Known for its bold, jammy fruit flavors, often with an inherent peppery or spicy kick, Zinfandel is a natural and excellent fit for spiced beverages like mulled wine, adding an extra layer of complexity.

For our signature recipe, we found great success with a California Cabernet Sauvignon, typically available in the accessible $10-$15 price range at most grocery stores. This budget-friendly option yielded exceptional results, proving conclusively that you don’t need an expensive bottle to create a luxurious and memorable holiday drink. We advise against overly light-bodied wines like Pinot Noir, as their delicate flavors can easily get lost amidst the strong, aromatic spices. Similarly, wines with very high tannin levels or excessive oak characteristics might clash with the sweet and spicy elements, potentially leading to an unbalanced or harsh taste.

Unveiling the Secret Ingredients: Amaretto and Brandy for Enhanced Flavor

While the spiced wine base forms the traditional heart of this holiday beverage, our Mulled Wine with Amaretto and Brandy distinguishes itself through the thoughtful and deliberate inclusion of two exquisite spirits. These additions go far beyond merely amplifying the alcohol content; they introduce profound layers of complexity and aromatic depth that truly elevate this holiday drink to gourmet status, transforming it from good to absolutely extraordinary.

Brandy: The Warming, Rich Spirit
Brandy is a very common and highly welcome addition to mulled wine recipes, and for excellent reasons. Derived from distilled wine, it contributes a robust, warming undertone and a gentle sweetness that significantly enhances the wine’s inherent fruitiness. It imparts a noticeable depth that makes the entire drink feel more substantial, luxurious, and satisfying – perfectly suited for warding off the brisk chill of winter evenings. Brandy’s subtle notes of dried fruits, vanilla, and sometimes oak, harmonize beautifully with the red wine and the medley of spices, creating a wonderfully cohesive and deeply satisfying flavor profile that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

Amaretto: The Almond Whisper of Sophistication
This is precisely where our recipe truly takes an intriguing and distinctive turn. Amaretto, a delightful Italian liqueur renowned for its distinct and nuanced almond flavor, introduces a sophisticated and subtle background note that is utterly delightful and surprisingly complementary. It’s not an overpowering almond essence that dominates the drink, but rather a gentle whisper of marzipan and sweetness that adds an unexpected layer of nutty complexity and aromatic intrigue. This unique touch distinctly sets our mulled wine apart from more conventional versions, offering an aromatic sophistication that will undoubtedly leave your guests curious (and, of course, asking for your secret recipe!). The delicate sweetness and almond notes of the amaretto seamlessly complement both the brandy and the array of spices, creating a harmonious blend that feels wonderfully familiar yet excitingly new and innovative.

Beyond these core spirits, we also incorporate the vibrant, fresh juice of two large navel oranges. This addition is absolutely crucial for brightening the overall flavor profile, providing essential tangy citrus notes and a natural touch of sweetness that cuts through the richness of the wine and spirits, preventing the drink from becoming overly heavy. To further balance and customize the sweetness, we add brown sugar. This step is entirely optional if you prefer a less sweet mulled wine, or if your chosen wine is already quite fruity. However, we find that brown sugar’s rich, caramel-like depth perfectly complements the robust wine and warm spices without making the drink overly cloying. It significantly contributes to that quintessential cozy, comforting holiday flavor profile we all crave.

For the aromatic heart and soul of the mulled wine, we rely on a carefully selected blend of high-quality whole spices: fragrant cinnamon sticks, exotic star anise, delicate green cardamom pods, pungent allspice berries, and classic whole cloves. Each individual spice plays a vital and synergistic role in creating the signature festive aroma and complex taste that defines an outstanding mulled wine. While we highly recommend using all of them for the most complete and authentic flavor experience, don’t despair if one or two are unavailable – the recipe will still be wonderfully flavorful and deeply aromatic.

Elevate Your Garnish: Winter Sweet, Dehydrated Orange Slices

Presentation is an absolutely crucial element, especially during the festive holiday season, and a thoughtfully chosen, beautiful garnish can truly transform a simple drink into a sophisticated work of art. For our Mulled Wine with Amaretto and Brandy, we suggest elegant, subtly sweet dehydrated orange slices, beautifully complemented by a fresh cinnamon stick and an aromatic star anise pod. The wonderful news is that you absolutely do not need any fancy kitchen gadgets, an expensive food dehydrator, or specialized equipment to achieve these stunning and remarkably flavorful garnishes. Your standard home oven is all you need to create these impressive additions to your holiday beverages!

Crafting Dehydrated Oranges Without Special Equipment

We absolutely adore dehydrating oranges, not just as the perfect garnish for our mulled wine, but also for a myriad of other cocktails, infusions for teas, and even as charming, edible decorations throughout the entire festive season. Our special twist involves lightly sweetening them and infusing them with additional spices, which takes their already delightful flavor and aroma to an entirely new level of deliciousness. This method is incredibly straightforward, surprisingly easy, and consistently yields impressive, professional-looking results. Perhaps the best part? These homemade, spiced dehydrated orange slices boast an astonishingly long shelf life of up to two years when stored correctly in an airtight container! This fantastic longevity means you can effortlessly prepare a large batch well in advance of the holidays, ensuring you always have a sophisticated, fragrant garnish ready to hand. Whether it’s for your mulled wine, a festive Old Fashioned, a sparkling gin and tonic, or even simply for adding a beautiful, lingering citrusy aroma to your home, these versatile garnishes are a holiday essential.

To craft these beautiful slices, you’ll begin by thinly slicing a couple of oranges – blood oranges add a particularly lovely pop of color variation! Next, you’ll lightly toss these thin slices with a delicate coating of granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a slightly different note), ground cinnamon, a tiny pinch of ground ginger, and an optional dash of sea salt. The salt, while seemingly unconventional, subtly enhances and brightens both the sweetness and the spice flavors. Then, simply arrange your seasoned orange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet generously lined with parchment paper. Finally, slow-bake them in a low oven, typically around 200°F (95°C), for several hours until they are thoroughly dry, firm to the touch, and slightly translucent. The exact drying time will naturally depend on the thickness of your slices and the specific calibration of your oven, so it’s advisable to keep a watchful eye on them. Once completely cooled, they become delightfully crisp, intensely aromatic, and wonderfully sweet, making them the absolute perfect edible embellishment for all your holiday drinks and beyond.

Enjoy Your Holiday Masterpiece!

We are truly excited for you to experience this extraordinary version of Mulled Wine with Amaretto and Brandy. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a warm, inviting invitation to savor the season, to gather with loved ones, and to create lasting, cherished memories. Its complex, comforting flavors and intoxicating warmth make it the quintessential companion for chilly evenings, bustling festive parties, or quiet, reflective moments by a crackling fire. This mulled wine offers a taste of holiday magic in every single sip.

If you embark on this delightful culinary adventure and give our recipe a try, we would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please consider leaving us a comment below to share your thoughts, any creative tweaks you made, or simply to tell us how much you enjoyed it. Even better, tag us on Instagram @cooking_with_wine with photos of your beautiful creation. Your feedback, festive shares, and inspiring pictures truly make our day and help our community grow!

Seeking more delicious inspiration for your holiday entertaining and culinary endeavors? Dive into some of our other cherished festive recipes that are sure to impress:

• Hazelnut Hot Buttered Rum – A Holiday Treat
• Peppermint Chocolate Bourbon Bundtlettes
• Brown Butter Cardamom Linzer Cookies with Passion Fruit Jelly
• Brown Butter and Pecan Rum Cake
• Frosted Cranberry Empress Gin Cocktail

📖 Recipe: Mulled Wine with Amaretto and Brandy

Mulled Wine with Amaretto and Brandy

This unique version of Mulled Wine with Amaretto and Brandy is a must-have on your holiday cocktail lineup this season, offering rich flavors and festive warmth.

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Times

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Details

Course: Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine: European, Holiday

Yield & Nutrition

Servings: 5 servings

Calories: 316 kcal

Ingredients

Mulled Wine with Amaretto and Brandy

• 1 bottle red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Zinfandel or Merlot recommended)
• ¼ cup amaretto liqueur
• ¼ cup brandy
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• 2 Large navel oranges (for fresh juice and peel)
• 3 Cinnamon sticks (whole)
• 5 Star anise (whole)
• 5 Green cardamom pods (whole)
• 10 Allspice berries (whole)
• 10 Whole cloves
• ½ cup Brown sugar (optional, adjust to taste for desired sweetness)

Winter Sweet Dehydrated Orange Slices Garnish (make in advance)

• 2 small blood oranges, thinly sliced
• 2 small navel oranges, thinly sliced
• ½ cup (64g) granulated sugar or coconut sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch ground ginger
• Dash sea salt (optional, enhances flavor)

Instructions

Mulled Wine with Amaretto and Brandy

1. Combine all liquid ingredients (wine, amaretto, brandy, vanilla), whole spices (cinnamon sticks, star anise, cardamom pods, allspice berries, whole cloves), and brown sugar (if using) into a medium-sized saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir the mixture gently until the brown sugar has mostly dissolved into the liquid.
2. Using a sharp vegetable peeler or a small knife, carefully peel half of one navel orange. Focus on obtaining the brightly colored zest, and try to avoid including as much of the bitter white pith as possible, as it can impart an undesirable flavor.
3. Juice both navel oranges and add the freshly squeezed juice directly to the pot along with the prepared orange peel.
4. Gently warm the entire mixture, ensuring it just begins to steam. It is crucial to prevent the mulled wine from coming to a rolling boil, as this can cook off the alcohol and alter the delicate balance of flavors. Once steaming, reduce the heat to very low and allow the mulled wine to gently simmer for approximately 30 minutes. This simmering time allows all the aromatic flavors to meld and deepen beautifully.
5. To serve, use a ladle to transfer the mulled wine into heat-proof mugs or glasses. Carefully avoid collecting the whole spices and orange peel from the bottom of the pot (a small strainer can be used when pouring, if preferred, for a clearer drink). Garnish each warm serving with a homemade dehydrated orange slice, a fresh cinnamon stick, and an additional star anise pod for a truly beautiful and inviting presentation.

Winter Sweet Dehydrated Orange Slices Garnish (make in advance)

1. Preheat your oven to a low temperature of 200°F (95°C).
2. Thoroughly wash and dry both the blood and navel oranges. Using a very sharp knife or, ideally, a mandoline slicer, cut the oranges into very thin, uniform slices (as thin as you can possibly get them for best results). Lay the orange slices flat in a single layer on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.
3. In a small, separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar (or coconut sugar), ground cinnamon, a pinch of ground ginger, and the optional dash of sea salt. Stir these dry ingredients together well.
4. Evenly sprinkle the spice-sugar mixture over both sides of the prepared orange slices, ensuring they are lightly coated.
5. Dry the seasoned orange slices in your preheated oven at 200°F for approximately 2 ½ to 3 hours. The exact drying time may vary depending on the thickness of your slices and the specific calibration of your oven. For even drying, it’s a good idea to flip the slices halfway through the cooking time. The slices are ready when they are firm, mostly dry to the touch, and slightly translucent.
6. After removing them from the oven, allow the dehydrated orange slices to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, you can add more spices and/or sugar if you desire a sweeter or more intensely spiced garnish. Store the completely cooled and dried orange slices in an airtight bag or container at room temperature, where they will remain fresh for up to 2 years, ready for all your future holiday creations.

Notes

If you prefer a less sweet version of mulled wine, you have the option to completely omit the brown sugar from this recipe. This allows the natural sweetness of the wine, amaretto, and orange juice to take center stage, creating a more tart and spirit-forward drink.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 316 kcal

Carbohydrates: 40g

Protein: 1g

Fat: 1g

Saturated Fat: 0.1g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g

Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g

Trans Fat: 0.002g

Sodium: 17mg

Potassium: 327mg

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 31g

Vitamin A: 149IU

Vitamin C: 34mg

Calcium: 93mg

Iron: 2mg

Keywords

mulled wine, winter cocktails, winter drinks, holiday drinks, spiced wine, amaretto, brandy, Christmas drinks, festive cocktails, homemade mulled wine

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