slow cooker mulled wine
This easy Slow Cooker Mulled Wine recipe is the perfect warm and cozy drink for holiday gatherings. Infused with citrus, honey, rich spices, and a touch of bourbon, it's a delightful way to celebrate the festive season.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 25.36 fluid ounces red wine (preferably Merlot, one standard bottle)
- 1 whole orange zest only
- 1 whole orange peeled and segmented
- 6 whole cloves
- 3 sticks cinnamon sticks
- 1 inch fresh ginger root thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup Maker's Mark Bourbon
- 0.25 cup honey optional, to taste
Optional Garnish
- slices fresh orange
- sprigs rosemary
- sticks cinnamon
Instructions
Slow Cooker Method
- Combine all ingredients (red wine, orange zest, segmented orange, cloves, cinnamon sticks, ginger root, bourbon, and honey) in a 3 to 4-quart slow cooker pot.
- Stir gently to combine, then cover the slow cooker with a lid.
- Cook on the LOW setting for 1 to 2 hours. The goal is to heat the wine through and allow the flavors to meld, but do not boil.
- After cooking, remove the lid and stir. Carefully taste the mulled wine and adjust with additional honey if a sweeter flavor is desired.
- Ladle the mulled wine into heatproof mugs or glasses, taking care to avoid pouring the whole spices. Garnish each serving with a fresh orange slice, a rosemary sprig, or a cinnamon stick, if desired.
- To keep the mulled wine warm for serving throughout your gathering, leave the slow cooker on the Warm setting.
Notes
For best results, use a good quality dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will infuse. If you don't have bourbon, brandy or Grand Marnier can be substituted.