Start by preparing the fruits and spices. Rinse the orange thoroughly under running warm water, scrubbing its skin with a small brush. This is very important because we will be cooking it with the skin on. Dry it with a paper towel, and then using a sharp knife, slice it into pieces about 0.5 cm thick. Peel a piece of fresh ginger using a small knife or the edge of a teaspoon (the skin comes off easily when scraped), and then cut it into thin slices.
Description
This warming, non-alcoholic mulled drink is the essence of autumn-winter comfort captured in a cup. It is an aromatic alternative to traditional mulled wine, perfect for the whole family, including children. Its deep ruby color comes from the combination of natural apple juice and tart cranberry, creating the ideal balance of sweetness and acidity. The drink is infused with spicy aromas of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, complemented by a zesty hint of fresh ginger and the citrus freshness of orange. Served hot, it not only wonderfully warms you on chilly days but also fills the home with the scent of the holidays. It is perfect as a drink for gatherings with friends, an evening by the fireplace, or as part of a festive menu. Its flavor is complex yet very approachable and soothing.
Ingredients (10)
- Apple juice 1000 ml
- Cranberry juice 500 ml
- Orange 1.3 szt.
- Fresh ginger 15 g
- wildflower honey 60 g
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Laski cynamonu 1.5 szt.
- Cloves 1 g
- Gwiazdki anyżu 2 szt.
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Fresh cranberry 50 g
- Rosemary 5 g
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Preparation steps
Choose a large pot, preferably with a capacity of at least 3-4 liters, so that the liquid has space and doesn't boil over during heating. Pour in the entire liter of apple juice and 500 ml of cranberry juice. Gently add the sliced orange and ginger slices to the liquid. Finally, add all the dry spices: cinnamon sticks, cloves (about 8-10 pieces), and star anise. At this stage, do not add honey yet, as high temperatures destroy its valuable properties.
Place a pot on the stove over medium heat. Slowly heat the mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon from time to time. The most important rule is NOT to bring the drink to a boil. Watch the surface of the liquid. As soon as you see the first small bubbles appearing and intense steam rising from the pot, immediately reduce the heat to the absolute minimum. Cover the pot with a lid, leaving a small gap, and let the mulled wine 'infuse' over very low heat for about 20-25 minutes. This process, called warm maceration, allows the flavors and aromas of the spices to fully permeate the liquid.
After the required time has passed, remove the pot from the heat and place it on a board or trivet. Now it's time to add the sweetness. Pour honey into the hot drink and stir thoroughly with a large spoon until it completely dissolves. Taste the mulled wine and assess its flavor – if you prefer sweeter drinks, add another tablespoon of honey. Next, prepare a pitcher or another serving vessel. Using a ladle, pour the drink through a fine mesh strainer to remove the used spices, ginger slices, and overcooked pieces of orange.
Pour the hot, strained mulled wine into glasses or mugs made of thick glass that retain heat well. To make the drink look stunning, add a few fresh cranberries (if using) and a small, fresh sprig of rosemary to each serving. You can also decorate the rim of each mug with a fresh, thin slice of orange. Serve immediately while it is hot and most aromatic.
Fun Fact
The tradition of drinking mulled beverages dates back to ancient Rome, where wine was heated with spices to protect against the cold and 'enhance' the flavor of the drink. Non-alcoholic versions, based on fruit juices, became popular in the 20th century as an alternative for the whole family, especially in Scandinavian countries, where a similar drink is known as 'Gløgg'.
Best for
Tips
Mulled wine tastes best served in transparent mugs with handles, which showcase its beautiful ruby color. You can add a fresh cinnamon stick to each serving for stirring. It pairs wonderfully with spiced cookies, apple pie, or homemade gingerbread.
If you have leftover mulled wine, you can store it in the fridge in a closed pitcher or jar for up to 3 days. Before serving, simply warm it gently in a pot, again being careful not to let it boil. Keep in mind that the stored drink may become more intense in flavor, as the spices will continue to release their aroma.
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