Start by thoroughly preparing the fruits. Place the fresh cranberries in a sieve and rinse them under cold running water, removing any impurities or damaged fruits. Scrub the orange well with a brush under warm water. Then, blanch it by pouring boiling water from a kettle over it – this will help remove the waxy protective layer from the skin. Dry the orange and cut it into slices about 0.5 cm thick. If you are using ginger, peel it (you can do this with the edge of a teaspoon, which is very effective) and slice it thinly.
Description
An aromatic and warming drink that is the essence of autumn and winter evenings. This non-alcoholic mulled drink combines the natural sweetness of cloudy apple juice with the refreshing, slightly tart note of fresh cranberries. The deep, ruby color of the drink is eye-catching, and the aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise in the air creates an incredibly cozy atmosphere. The addition of fresh orange brings citrus freshness, perfectly balancing the spicy notes. The mulled drink is an excellent alternative to traditional mulled wine, perfect for gatherings with family and friends, as a welcome drink for guests, or simply as a way to enjoy a cool evening under a blanket. It can be served to both children and adults, who can optionally enhance it with a splash of rum.
Ingredients (8)
- 100% cloudy apple juice 1000 ml
- Fresh cranberry 150 g
- Orange 1 szt.
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Cinnamon stick 3 szt.
- Goździki (całe) 5 szt.
- Star anise 0.4 szt.
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Maple syrup 30 ml
- Fresh ginger 20 g
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Preparation steps
In the prepared pot, place all the ingredients. Pour in the entire liter of cloudy apple juice. Add the rinsed cranberries, sliced orange, two cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and two star anise. If you opted for the version with ginger, also add its slices. At this stage, do not add the maple syrup yet – you will do this at the very end to adjust the sweetness to your taste.
Place the pot on the stove over medium heat. Slowly heat the mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon from time to time. Watch the drink – the goal is to bring it to just before boiling. You will know this moment when small air bubbles start to appear on the sides of the pot and steam rises from the surface. Do not let it boil, as this could cause some of the flavors to be lost and the fruit to break down.
When the drink is very hot, reduce the heat to the minimum. Cover the pot with a lid, leaving a small gap for the steam to escape. Let the mulled drink simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes. During this time, the flavors will blend perfectly. You will notice that the cranberries will soften, and some fruits will start to burst, releasing their juice and giving the drink a beautiful, deep color. Your home will be filled with a wonderful, spicy aroma.
After the cooking time has passed, remove the pot from the heat. Now is the time to season the drink. Using a ladle, scoop a little liquid (be careful, it's hot!) and taste it. If the apple juice was sweet enough, you may not need any additional sweetening. However, if you prefer sweeter drinks, add maple syrup. Start with one tablespoon, mix thoroughly, and taste again. Gradually add syrup until you reach your perfect flavor balance.
The mulled wine is ready to serve. You can serve it in two ways. The first: strain the entire drink through a fine sieve into a pitcher to obtain a clear liquid, then pour into mugs. The second, more rustic way: use a ladle to pour the mulled wine directly from the pot into the mugs, trying to include a slice of orange, a few cranberries, and possibly a star anise for decoration in each serving.
Fun Fact
The tradition of drinking hot, spiced beverages during the winter dates back to Roman times. The Romans heated wine with spices to warm themselves during the cold months. This custom, known as 'wassailing', spread throughout Europe and evolved into various forms of mulled drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, which to this day symbolize hospitality and a festive atmosphere.
Best for
Tips
Serve the mulled wine very hot, in thick glass mugs or cups that retain heat well. Garnish each serving with a fresh slice of orange, a cinnamon stick, and a few cranberries from the pot. For an additional visual effect, you can stud a few cloves into the skin of the orange slice.
Mulled wine can be stored in the refrigerator in a closed container (e.g., a jar or a pitcher with a lid) for up to 3 days. Before serving again, gently reheat it over low heat, avoiding boiling, so it doesn't lose its rich aroma. Remember to remove the fruits and spices before storage to prevent the drink from becoming too bitter.
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