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Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

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This easy slow cooker mulled wine recipe transforms red wine, citrus, and warming spices into a cozy, aromatic drink perfect for parties or chilly nights. The slow cooker method makes it stress-free and ideal for entertaining a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (750 ml) bottle red wine (Merlot or Shiraz preferred)
  • 1 orange, sliced (organic if possible)
  • 1/2 lemon, sliced (optional)
  • 2–3 cinnamon sticks
  • 5–8 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise
  • 2–3 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (60 ml)
  • 1/4 cup brandy (60 ml, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
  • 1 cup apple cider (240 ml)
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced

Instructions

  1. Slice the orange and lemon (if using) into rounds, leaving the peel on. Peel and slice the fresh ginger.
  2. Pour the red wine into the slow cooker. Add apple cider, orange and lemon slices, ginger, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and cardamom pods.
  3. Stir in honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and brandy (if using).
  4. Cover and set the slow cooker to low heat. Warm gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. Do not let it boil.
  5. If the wine starts to simmer or boil, crack the lid and reduce the heat. You want gentle steaming, not bubbling.
  6. After 1 hour, taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired.
  7. Once flavors are blended (after 1.5 to 2 hours), use a slotted spoon or fine mesh strainer to remove citrus slices and whole spices.
  8. Ladle the mulled wine into mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish with fresh orange slices, a cinnamon stick, or a sprig of rosemary if desired.
  9. Switch the slow cooker to ‘keep warm’ for serving at parties, stirring occasionally.

Notes

Use a fruity, medium-bodied red wine for best results. Avoid boiling the wine to prevent bitterness and loss of alcohol. Adjust sweetness and spice to taste. For a vegan version, use maple or agave syrup instead of honey. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently. Strain out spices and citrus before storing.

Nutrition

Keywords: mulled wine, slow cooker, crockpot, holiday drink, Christmas, party drink, spiced wine, cozy cocktail, winter drink, easy entertaining

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/slow-cooker-mulled-wine-recipe-easy-cozy-drink-for-parties/