Here at the Rocky Top Wine Trail, we love drinking delicious wines throughout the year. However, there is something that is especially comforting about mulled wine throughout the winter months. From the warm feeling of a mug in your hands to the smell of the seasonal spices, it is one of the coziest beverages around.
It’s time to make the most of mulled wine season while it’s here. Here are some of the best mulled wine recipes for every kind of wine lover.
The Best Classic Mulled Wine: Gluhwein
Gluhwein originated in Europe and is typically what people think of when they picture mulled wine. Made with red wine and spirits, this spicy beverage is enjoyed at Christmas markets throughout Germany and central Europe. This classic drink is often traditionally served with apfelkuchen (a German apple pie) or schnitzel for the ultimate in comfort.
Our favorite mulled wine recipe comes from Gimme Some Oven. All you’ll need is a bottle of red wine, brandy, 1 orange, sugar and those wonderful spices that make mulled wine so spectacular – cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Best of all, you can make this recipe in just under twenty minutes! Read the whole recipe here.
Try making it with Don Rosso from Hillside Winery or Mountain Valley Winery\’s Collier Reserve wines. Plus, you can’t forget the Mulling Spices!
Get Adventurous with Mulled White Wine
Just because you prefer white wine doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy some delicious mulled wine. While much lighter than the traditional Gluhwein, this drink still has that all-over warmth with a little extra sweetness. Try out a mulled white wine recipe for a creative cocktail at your next cozy dinner party, or for an after-dinner treat.
Martha Stewart’s recipes are always a hit with guests, and her Mulled White Wine recipe is no exception. A fresh twist on an old classic, you’ll want to choose a drier white wine, such as Chardonnay or Voignier, for this recipe. You’ll also want to pick up orange, cloves, star anise, and ginger, with some sugar for added sweetness. See the recipe here.
Try mulling white wine with our classic Mountain Valley Chardonnay.
Apple Mulled Wine for Cider Lovers
Everyone has a beloved memory of gathering around a campfire or snuggling up on the sofa with a warm cup of apple cider. Apple mulled wine gives a grown-up twist to these comforting memories. Curl up with your favorite blanket, turn something comforting on the tv, and watch the snowfall outside with an aromatic cup of apple mulled wine – what could be better?
If you’re looking for an apple mulled wine recipe, look no further than this recipe from Sugar Salted. However, while this recipe recommends using a white wine like Pinot Grigio, we think that one of our wineries’ apple wines makes this drink all the more delightful. You’ll also need an apple, apple juice, lemon, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. See the recipe here.
The obvious choice for your apple wines is anything from Apple Barn Winery. Mulled wine would be especially delightful with the Apple Blush blend, the Apple Peach Wine, or the Apple Barn White.
Are you ready to cozy up with a warm glass of mulled wine this winter? Come visit us at Rocky Top Wine Trail and tell us how you like to enjoy your mulled wine – we’re always looking to try new recipes, and to recommend some of our own!
