Spiced Cardamom Mulled Wine
Warming winter drink infused with cardamom, cinnamon, and citrus, simmered to blend flavors and served hot. This american-inspired cocktails & beverages ready in about 40 minutes brings together milliliters dry red wine, water, granulated sugar for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 379 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 750 milliliters dry red wine
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 6, lightly crushed cardamom pods
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 large, sliced into rounds orange
- 1 large, sliced into rounds lemon
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine 750 milliliters dry red wine, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 6 crushed cardamom pods, 2 cinnamon sticks, 5 whole cloves, 1 sliced orange, and 1 sliced lemon. Stir to dissolve sugar.
- Step 2: Bring mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat (do not boil), then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Transfer to a covered container and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Step 4: Strain mulled wine through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan, discarding solids.
- Step 5: Heat over medium-low heat until warm (about 10 minutes), stirring gently. Do not boil. Serve hot in mugs.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Cardamom Mulled Wine take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Spiced Cardamom Mulled Wine?
Refrigerate any leftover spiced cardamom mulled wine in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Cardamom Mulled Wine?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spiced Cardamom Mulled Wine for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spiced Cardamom Mulled Wine?
American cocktails & beverages like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family gathering, everyone loved the warm spices.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Perfect for winter evenings with a cozy blanket.
- ★★★★☆
The cardamom was a nice touch, but it was slightly bland for my taste.
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