Start by thoroughly preparing the fruits. Wash the orange under warm running water, using a vegetable brush to remove any wax and impurities. Dry it with a paper towel. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the entire orange into slices about 0.5 cm thick. If you choose to use ginger, cut off a piece about 2 cm long, peel it with a small knife or a teaspoon (scraping with a teaspoon is a great way to minimize the loss of flesh) and slice it thinly.
Description
Discover the depth of flavor and aroma in our Spiced Apple-Cranberry Mulled Drink – the perfect beverage for chilly autumn and winter evenings. This non-alcoholic blend warms both body and soul, combining the natural sweetness of cloudy apple juice with the refreshing tartness of cranberry. The rich bouquet of aromatic spices completes the drink: cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise, which release their magical essential oils during slow heating, filling the home with the scent of the holidays. The addition of fresh orange slices brings a citrus note, breaking the sweetness and adding complexity to the drink. The mulled drink has a beautiful, deep ruby color, making it look incredibly appetizing in glass mugs. It is an excellent alternative to traditional mulled wine, perfect for gatherings with family and friends, New Year's Eve parties, or simply as a companion to a good book in the comfort of home.
Składniki (9)
- 100% cloudy apple juice 1000 ml
- Sok żurawinowy 100% 500 ml
- Orange 1.3 szt.
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Cinnamon stick 4 szt.
- Cloves 1 g
- Star anise 0.4 szt.
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- wildflower honey 40 g
- Fresh ginger 15 g
- Fresh cranberry 50 g
💡 Kliknij na składnik aby oznaczyć jako użyty
Preparation steps
Preparation of ingredients
Combining ingredients
Choose a large pot, preferably with a thick bottom, with a capacity of at least 2.5-3 liters. Pour 1000 ml of cloudy apple juice and 500 ml of cranberry juice into it. Gently stir the liquids with a wooden spoon. Then add the prepared orange slices, 2 cinnamon sticks, about 10 cloves, and 2 star anise. If you are using ginger, add its slices now.
Heating and infusing with flavor
Place a pot on the stove over medium heat. Slowly heat the mixture until it becomes very hot and the first bubbles start to appear at the edges of the pot (temperature around 80°C). It is important not to let the drink come to a boil. As soon as you notice that the mulled drink is about to boil, immediately reduce the burner to the lowest setting. Cover the pot with a lid, leaving a small gap, and heat on very low for 20-25 minutes. This process, called hot maceration, will allow the spices and fruits to slowly release their full flavor and aroma into the liquid.
Seasoning and finishing
After 20-25 minutes, remove the pot from the heat. Taste the drink with a clean spoon (be careful, it's very hot!). Assess its sweetness. If the juices were sweet enough, you may not need to add a sweetener. However, if you prefer a sweeter drink, now is the time to add honey. Add it gradually, one tablespoon at a time, mixing thoroughly until completely dissolved. After each added tablespoon, wait a moment and taste again to avoid making the mulled drink too sweet.
Serving
Prepare mugs or glasses made of thick, heat-resistant glass. Using a ladle and a small strainer, pour the hot mulled wine into the mugs. The strainer will help catch small pieces of spices, such as cloves. You can add a fresh slice of orange (not the one from cooking, as it will be overcooked) or one of the cooked star anise for decoration to each serving. Additionally, if using, toss a few fresh cranberries on top. Serve immediately while it is hot and most aromatic.
Fun Fact
The tradition of drinking hot, spiced beverages during the winter dates back to Roman times. The Romans heated wine with spices to protect themselves from the cold during their conquests in Europe. This custom evolved in medieval England into what is known as 'wassail', a drink made from cider or ale that was part of rituals to ensure a good apple harvest.
Best for
Tips
Serve the mulled wine in thick glass mugs with handles or in ceramic cups that retain heat well. Add a fresh slice of orange and a few fresh cranberries to each serving for a beautiful appearance and extra aroma. You can also place a cinnamon stick in each cup. For an adult alcoholic version, add 30-50 ml of dark rum, brandy, or orange liqueur to each serving just before serving (do not cook the alcohol with the rest).
Mulled wine can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before putting it in the fridge, it should be completely cooled and strained of all spices and fruits; otherwise, the drink may become bitter and cloudy. Store it in a tightly sealed jar or bottle. Before serving again, gently reheat it over low heat, avoiding boiling.
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