- Why is it bitter?
- You either boiled the white orange pith (albedo) or steeped the cloves too long.
Traditional Mulled Wine
Making good mulled wine is a gentle chemical experiment. We want to extract spice flavors (like cinnamaldehyde) while managing alcohol evaporation. Since ethanol boils at 173°F, wine should never boil, or you'll get sour fruit juice with no soul.
Ingredients
1
bottle (750ml)
Red Wine (Merlot or Zinfandel)
1
cup
Water
0.25
cup
Honey (or Sugar to taste)
2
sticks
Cinnamon
6
whole
Cloves
1
whole
Orange (Peel strips and segments, no pith)
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Stainless Steel Pot (aluminum reacts with acid)
- Strainer
Instructions
1
✓
Add water, spices, orange peel, and honey to the pot. Boil gently for 10 minutes to create a thick, spicy syrup.
Tip: This 'syrup base' technique extracts all flavor from spices at high heat without boiling the wine.
2
✓
Pour in the wine and heat until steaming and tiny bubbles appear at the rim (approx 160°F). DO NOT BOIL!
Tip: We just want to warm it through. Boiling evaporates alcohol and flattens the flavor profile.
3
✓
Remove from heat, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes, then strain and serve.
Tip: Resting harmonizes flavors and softens the wine's acidity.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750ml) Red Wine (Merlot or Zinfandel)
- 1 cup Water
- 0.25 cup Honey (or Sugar to taste)
- 2 sticks Cinnamon
- 6 whole Cloves
- 1 whole Orange (Peel strips and segments, no pith)