Cranberry Molasses Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is a warm drink usually made with red wine and a handful of mulling spices. I grew up with a German version called glühwein, but countries all over the world have their own version. Mulled wine is an essential in our home during the freezing winter months as it warms the chilled body while also being delicious and festive. This version’s secret ingredient is molasses, which is the perfect sweet coun- terpart to the bright orange zest and tart red wine.
Ingredients
- Zest from 1 orange + slices for garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 green cardamom pods
- 6 cloves
- 6 allspice berries
- 10 black peppercorns
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 750-ml bottle dry red wine
- 1/3 cup cranberry juice
Instructions
-
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, cardamom, cloves, allspice, peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, sugar, molasses, wine, and cranberry juice.
-
As soon as the wine begins to sim- mer, turn the heat to low and stir until the sugar dissolves.
-
Cover and simmer so the spices can meld into the wine, about 30 minutes.
-
Strain through a ne- mesh sieve, discarding the spices, and serve warm in your favorite mugs. Gar- nish each serving with an orange slice.