Mulled Wine Mocktail
Introduction
This mulled wine mocktail is warm, spiced, and easy to make. It tastes like a cozy holiday drink but without alcohol. You heat non-alcoholic red wine with apple cider and a few whole spices. The scent fills the kitchen in minutes. If you like fruit-forward warm drinks, try other berry mocktails to pair with this one: berry mocktails. Serve it at a small gathering or sip it by the fire.
Why make this recipe
This drink is fast and forgiving. It needs little prep and uses common pantry spices. You can make a big pot and keep it warm for guests. Kids and anyone avoiding alcohol can enjoy it. The flavor is rich from the non-alcoholic red wine. The cider adds sweetness and body. The orange and spices give bright and warm notes. You do not need special tools. A large pot and a strainer are enough. It makes the house smell great. It fits winter holidays and chilly evenings.
How to prepare Mulled Wine Mocktail
Start with good ingredients. A decent non-alcoholic red wine gives the base flavor. Use fresh apple cider for natural sweetness. Whole spices work best. They release flavor slowly and look nice if you keep some in for serving. Slice one orange to add brightness. Heat the mix slowly so the spices infuse without cooking off the aroma. Taste and sweeten only at the end. Honey or sugar will let you adjust the warmth and sweetness. Once the flavors sit for a short steep, strain out the spices. Garnish with rosemary and dried orange slices to make each cup look special.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of non-alcoholic red wine
- 2 cups of apple cider
- 1 orange, sliced
- 4 cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 star anise
- Honey or sugar to taste
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
- Dehydrated orange slices for garnish
Steps:
- In a large pot, combine the non-alcoholic red wine and apple cider.
- Add the sliced orange, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s steaming but not boiling.
- Taste and add honey or sugar as desired.
- Let the mixture steep for about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and strain out the spices.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh rosemary and dehydrated orange slices.
How to serve Mulled Wine Mocktail
Serve this drink in heatproof mugs or glasses. Pour slowly to keep the foam down. Add a rosemary sprig and a dehydrated orange slice to each cup. The rosemary adds a pine-like scent that pairs with the spices. If you like, float a thin orange slice on top. Keep a small pot of extra honey or sugar nearby so guests can sweeten to taste. For a fancier touch, rim the glass with a little sugar before pouring. This mocktail pairs well with baked breads, roasted nuts, or simple cookies. It also works as a warm starter before a holiday meal.
How to store 1 bottle of non-alcoholic red wine, 2 cups of apple cider, 1 orange, sliced, 4 cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 star anise, Honey or sugar to taste, Fresh rosemary for garnish, Dehydrated orange slices for garnish
Cool leftover mulled mocktail to room temperature before storing. Transfer it to a clean, sealed container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly on the stove over low heat. Do not boil when reheating. Boiling removes flavor and can make the drink bitter. If you used fresh orange slices, those will soften and lose texture when stored. Strain the liquid before storing if you want a longer shelf life. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently when you want a cup.
Tips to make 1 bottle of non-alcoholic red wine, 2 cups of apple cider, 1 orange, sliced, 4 cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 star anise, Honey or sugar to taste, Fresh rosemary for garnish, Dehydrated orange slices for garnish perfectly
Use whole spices. Ground spices can make the drink cloudy and gritty. Add honey or sugar at the end so you can control sweetness. Taste as you go. Keep the heat low. Steaming is enough. Do not boil. Boiling burns the aroma and flattens the flavor. Let the mixture steep for 10 to 15 minutes. That gives time for the spices to open up. Strain well to remove small bits of clove or star anise. If you like a stronger spice note, add an extra cinnamon stick during the steep. If you prefer lighter flavor, remove the spices after 8 minutes. Use fresh rosemary for garnish. It gives a sharp, clean scent that lifts the drink. Dehydrated orange slices last longer and make the drink photo-ready.
Variations (if possible)
Make it lighter by using half apple cider and half apple juice. Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper sweetness. Add a few slices of fresh ginger while heating for a spicy kick. For a citrus-forward version, add lemon peel with the orange. You can also make a cold version. Chill the mix, strain, and serve over ice with a lemon twist. If you want more depth, add a splash of pomegranate juice. Keep the spices the same but reduce steep time slightly so the pomegranate does not overpower the blend.
FAQ (at least three questions)
Q: Can I use regular wine instead of non-alcoholic wine?
A: Yes. Replace the non-alcoholic bottle with regular red wine if you prefer an alcoholic version. Heat it the same way. Do not let it reach a rolling boil.
Q: How much honey or sugar should I add?
A: Start with one to two tablespoons of honey or sugar. Taste after it dissolves. Add more in small amounts until it suits you.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Make it a few hours before guests arrive. Keep it warm in a slow cooker on low. Reheat gently if needed. Remove spices before serving to keep the flavor steady.
Q: Are there spice-free versions?
A: You can skip whole spices and rely on orange and a cinnamon stick alone. The flavor will be milder but still warm and pleasant.
Q: What is the best garnish?
A: Fresh rosemary and dehydrated orange slices look and smell great. A thin orange wheel works if you do not have dehydrated slices.
Mulled Wine Mocktail
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bottle non-alcoholic red wine Choose a decent quality for best flavor.
- 2 cups apple cider Use fresh apple cider for natural sweetness.
- 1 orange, sliced Adds brightness to the drink.
- 4 cloves Use whole spices for best flavor.
- 2 cinnamon sticks Add one more for a stronger spice note if desired.
- 1 star anise Gives a unique flavor profile.
- to taste Honey or sugar Adjust sweetness at the end.
- for garnish Fresh rosemary Provides a pine-like scent.
- for garnish Dehydrated orange slices Makes the drink visually appealing.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, combine the non-alcoholic red wine and apple cider.
- Add the sliced orange, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s steaming but not boiling.
- Taste and add honey or sugar as desired.
- Let the mixture steep for about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and strain out the spices.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh rosemary and dehydrated orange slices.
