Smoked Mulled Wine puts a unique spin on the traditional mulled wine recipe. It infuses a delightful blend of warm, spicy, fruity flavors, with just a touch of smokiness. So, fire up the grill and prepare your mugs because this warm cocktail is a burst of rich and complex flavors that will delight your taste buds.
THIS RECIPE IS SPONSORED BY HOME DEPOT & WEBER GRILLS
Mulled Wine wasn’t popular in my family; as a matter of fact, the first time I had it was in business school at my friend Neeraja’s holiday party, and my mind was blown.
At first, I couldn’t wrap my head around the overwhelming flavors of this spiked, hot wine punch. But I continued to sip, and with each steaming sip, I gained a sense of familiarity like holiday cookies and cakes. The cup warmed me as if I were sitting next to the fireplace. I enjoyed the feeling and the flavor it gave me, and ever since, it has become a Fall staple in my household.
Undoubtedly, it’s the warm spices for me. Bring on the cinnamon, the cloves, the allspice … anything with these spices immediately evokes happiness.
For my recipe, I also love the addition of citrus, apple cider, and fresh cranberries to brighten up the flavor and counter the additional bitterness from adding the rum and whisky. If you don’t want to add these liquors, you can just replace them with more wine.
Fun Fact: Did you know? Mulled wine, also known as “hot spiced wine,” has been enjoyed for centuries during the holiday season. It’s not only delicious but also infused with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, making it a festive favorite for winter gatherings. 🍷✨ #MulledWine #HolidayTradition
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
- Red Wine: The heart of this cozy concoction provides the rich and robust base for mulled wine.
- Apple Cider: Adds a touch of sweetness and fruity flavor, perfectly complementing the wine.
- Spiced Dark Rum: Brings a warm and comforting spice kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Whiskey: Adds depth and complexity to the mulled wine, making it even more soulful.
- Honey: Sweetens the drink naturally and balances out the spices and alcohol.
- Cinnamon Sticks: The ultimate soulful ingredient, infusing the mulled wine with warm and comforting spice notes.
- Star Anise Pods: Bring a touch of licorice-like flavor and a delightful aroma to the mix.
- Whole Cloves: Offer a warm and aromatic essence, making the mulled wine oh-so-inviting.
- Whole Allspice: Introduces a unique blend of flavors, with hints of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Oranges (sliced thin & divided): Provide a burst of citrusy brightness, bringing a refreshing twist to the mulled wine.
- Vanilla Bean (split): The secret to adding that velvety and aromatic undertone to the whole experience.
Garnish
- Sugared Cranberries: Adds a touch of festive flair and sweetness to the presentation.
- Cinnamon Stick: A stylish addition, doubling as a garnish and infuser, enhancing the mulled wine’s aroma as it’s stirred.
- Star Anise Pods: Serve as an elegant finishing touch, contributing to the overall appeal.
- Apple or Cherry Smoking Chips: For the pièce de résistance, adding that enchanting smoky flavor that takes this mulled wine to the next level.
What is Mulled Wine
Mulled wine, also known as spiced wine, is a beverage usually made with red wine and various mulling spices, and sometimes raisins. It is served hot or warm and is alcoholic, although there are non-alcoholic versions of it. It is a traditional drink during winter, especially around Christmas.
How to make Smoked Mulled Wine?
The recipe for Smoked Mulled wine is actually quite easy; all you have to do is follow a few key steps:
- Soak your wood chips
- Light up your charcoal on one side of the grill. My Weber Mastertouch Grill has char baskets for my coals so that I can create heating zones.
- Let the fire die down, and the coals turn grey. Then add the drained wood chips over the top.
- Add all the ingredients to your pot, stir, and then place it adjacent to the heat for 30 minutes.
- Serve warm and garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and stars of anise.
What are the best wines for Mulled Wine?
The best red wine to use for Mulled wine is Merlot, Zinfandel, or Garnacha.
The Best Wood Chips For Smoked Mulled Wine
I recommend choosing wood chips that won’t overpower. So stay away from Hickory, Oak, or Mesquite. Instead, lean toward the milder, fruitier versions like Apple and Cherry.
My Web MasterTouch Grill has a flexible 2-prong cooking grate system that allows me to lift and adjust the grates as needed. That way, I can easily add my wood chips to the heat right before the pot of wine ingredients goes on the grill.
How long to smoke the wine?
Well, for me and Kenneth, a glass of Smoked Mulled Wine on our patio while enjoying the cool Fall breeze is the perfect way to end our day together. But in the same vein, this homemade mulled wine recipe is super festive, so it would also serve as the perfect spiked punch when entertaining friends. Regardless of what occasion, you don’t want to let this Fall or Winter go by without trying this spiced red wine recipe.
When you make mulled wine, it’s quite simple. Once your pot filled with red wine, star anise, and cinnamon sticks goes on the grill, it only takes 30 minutes under the lid before you have delicious Smoked Mulled Wine. Just before you remove the pot from the grill, you can also add sliced oranges directly on the grate for just a few minutes to add some additional char and smoky flavor to your drink when you garnish. This traditional mulled wine recipe will surely warm your heart and your soul on chilly evenings.
How To Store Mulled Wine?
- Allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Seal it in an airtight container or bottle.
- Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Mulled wine lasts for a few days in the fridge, but its flavor may change over time. Reheat gently before serving.
How to make mulled wine in a slow-cooker?
It doesn’t get any easier than adding a few bottles of wine, some brandy, maple syrup, whole spices, and orange peel to a slow cooker and heating until warm. There’s no need to stand behind the bar shaking up individual cocktails when, with the help of a slow cooker and a ladle, guests can serve themselves while they mingle.
More Warm Winter Cocktails
Now It’s Your Turn
Savor this unique twist on Mulled Wine, blending warm, spicy, fruity notes with a touch of smokiness. Fire up the grill and grab your mugs because this warm cocktail is a flavor explosion!
If you whip it up, don’t hesitate to give it a five-star rating. Share your creation on Instagram, and be sure to tag @meikoandthedish. Enjoy every sip!
Smoked Mulled Wine
Equipment
- Measuring Tools
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Weber Master Touch Grill
- Dutch Oven – 5.5 quart
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine
- 2 cups apple cider
- ½ cup spiced dark rum
- ½ cup whiskey
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 cinnamon stick
- 5 star anise pods
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice
- 2 oranges, sliced thin & divided
- 1 vanilla bean, split
Garnish
- cranberries, sugared
- cinnamon stick
- star anise pods
- apple or cherry smoking chips
Instructions
To smoke mulled wine:
- Soak chips in water for 30 minutes. In the meantime, set charcoal to one side of the grill and light it up. Let the flames subside and you will see the edges of the coals turn gray. Place the top over the grill and close the vents to regulate the temperature. The target temperature is between 180 and 200 degrees.
- Add the soaked and drained chips to the charcoal right before the wine pot is added to the grill.
To prepare mulled wine
- To a large, grill-safe, heavy bottom pot (like a dutch oven) add all the ingredients but reserve one of the sliced oranges to the side for garnish. Stir all of the ingredients together well.
- Place pot (without a cover) onto the grill but to the side of the fire. Do not place it directly over the heat. Securely close the grill lid and let the wine smoke for 30 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the grill and stir. Serve warm with additional cinnamon sticks, star of anise, orange slices, and sugared cranberries.
