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Cozy Slow Cooker Mulled Wine with Orange & Cloves

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This cozy slow cooker mulled wine with orange and cloves is the ultimate effortless holiday drink. Made with simple ingredients like red wine, oranges, and warming spices, it fills your home with an incredible aroma and is perfect for gatherings or quiet winter nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (750 ml) bottle red wine (medium-bodied like Merlot, Zinfandel, or fruity Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 1 large orange (organic preferred), sliced into thin rounds
  • 10–12 whole cloves
  • 2–3 cinnamon sticks
  • 2–3 whole star anise pods
  • 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (to taste)
  • 1/4 cup brandy or orange liqueur (optional)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Wash the orange thoroughly and slice it into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. Stick 3-4 whole cloves into each slice, pressing them into the peel.
  2. Pour the entire bottle of red wine into a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
  3. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup and stir gently to dissolve. Taste and add more sweetener if desired.
  4. Add the cinnamon sticks and star anise pods to the slow cooker. Place the clove-studded orange slices on top. If using, add the brandy or orange liqueur. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW heat. Cook for 2-3 hours. Do not use HIGH heat, as boiling the wine will ruin the flavor.
  6. After about 90 minutes, taste the mulled wine. Adjust sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup if needed. If too spicy, remove star anise or cinnamon sticks.
  7. Once ready, switch the slow cooker to the WARM setting to keep the mulled wine drinkable for hours.
  8. To serve, ladle the warm mulled wine into mugs. Garnish each mug with a slice of cooked orange, a cinnamon stick, and a few fresh cranberries if desired.

Notes

Do not boil the wine; keep on low heat for best flavor. For a more aromatic result, toast the cinnamon sticks and star anise in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before adding. Leftover mulled wine can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; remove orange slices and spices before storing. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, avoiding boiling.

Nutrition

Keywords: mulled wine, slow cooker mulled wine, holiday drink, winter beverage, spiced wine, orange and cloves, Christmas drink, easy mulled wine

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/cozy-slow-cooker-mulled-wine-with-orange-and-cloves/