Spiced warm cocktails to the rescue!

mulled wine, two ways I howsweeteats.com

This is quintessential holiday season right here.

A big fat hug in a mug. November and December, right there in your cup.

It warms you to your soul!

It’s like homemade house potpourri.

See also: how to make new friends at Christmastime.

mulled wine, two ways I howsweeteats.com

I’m thinking that you should totally make a batch of this and take it in a thermos wherever you go until January 1. You can even keep it going after that. Why not? If it’s freezing, this is your security blanket. Pass it around on Friday. Pregame for all of your holiday shopping. With a DD of course. Eeeep.

mulled wine, two ways I howsweeteats.com

I am absolutely in LOVE with mulled wine right now – especially since I can have variety. I’m not always into reds and crave whites more often. But reds seem… warmer, if you will. Better for sitting by the fire while the snow falls outside. Better for holiday parties and get togethers and Thanksgiving cocktails.

And now I can have both!!

But really, it’s not even about me (yeah right, isn’t it always about me?), because Eddie and I can never decide on just one wine. He usually wants a red and I usually want a white. I adore this idea for a party so guests aren’t stuck with only one version, especially if it’s red and they aren’t into it. But hello, holiday parties and cocktails because LIFE.

mulled wine, two ways I howsweeteats.com

So let’s talk about the delicious flavor.

Both wines are flavored with apple cider, some vanilla bean, an assortment of spices and fruit. The red is sweetened with a touch of maple syrup (YES!) while the white is sweetened with some honey and ginger. It’s just the slightest flavor change but works with both versions of wine and I cannot proclaim my love enough!

Yes, you can totally warm this in a slow cooker.

And yes, you can even make it ahead of time.

mulled wine, two ways I howsweeteats.com

I’m just gonna use this cinnamon stick as a straw, thanks very much.

mulled wine, two ways I howsweeteats.com

And don’t be scared of the star anise! It makes it pretty, which obviously = high-liked instagrams.

Holiday priorities, people.

mulled wine, two ways I howsweeteats.com

Now I’m definitely partial to my apple cider sangrias and margaritas for the next two or three days… but why not just serve both of these as options too? I definitely think that is fair. It’s the best way to say hi, I’m so thankful for YOU!

mulled wine, two ways I howsweeteats.com

Mulled Red and White Wine

5 from 3 votes
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Ingredients

mulled white wine

  • 1 bottle dry white wine, like chardonnay
  • 1 1/2 cups apple cider
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup whole cranberries
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 apple, sliced
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 vanilla bean, split in half
  • 1 tablespoon whole cardamom pods
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon-size knob of ginger
  • extra for serving: cinnamon sticks, orange wedges, cranberries, star anise

mulled red wine

  • 1 bottle semi-dry red wine, like cabernet
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup whole cranberries
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 apple, sliced
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 star anise
  • 1 vanilla bean, split in half
  • 1 tablespoon whole cardamom pods
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • extra for serving: cinnamon sticks, orange wedges, cranberries, star anise

Instructions 

mulled white wine

  • Combine all ingredients together in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. If it’s easier, you can keep the cloves, cardamom and star anise in a piece of cheesecloth, otherwise you can fish them out with a slotted spoon after warming. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until slightly simmering and hot. At this point I like to taste it and see if I want more sweetness or spice. Serve immediately in glasses filled with cinnamon sticks and orange slices.

mulled red wine

  • Combine all ingredients together in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until slightly simmering and hot. Serve immediately in glasses filled with cinnamon sticks and orange slices.
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