Mulled Gin

Cozy up with our unique Mulled Gin Recipe! It blends aromatic spices, fresh juices, fruit, red wine, and Empress Indigo Gin. Perfect for warming up your winter evenings. Easy, flavorful, and sure to impress!

Prep Time10

Cook Time35

Total Time45

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: servings

Calories: 235kcal

Author: Briana

Equipment

dutch oven or stockpot
skimmer (or fine mesh sieve)

Ingredients

2 cups red wine
2 cups cranberry juice
1 ¾ cups fresh orange juice
2-4 tablespoons maple syrup to taste
1 medium orange sliced into rounds
1 medium medium pear sliced thin
5 whole cinnamon sticks
2 whole star anise
3-4 whole allspice berries
4-5 whole cardamom pods
8 whole whole cloves
4 slices fresh ginger
1.5 cups gin

Instructions

Combine 2 cups of red wine, 2 cups of cranberry juice, 1 and ¾ cups of orange juice, 2-4 tablespoons of maple syrup (to taste) and stir to combine.
Add the whole spices, the orange slices, and the pear slices.
Heat very gently over low heat, stirring occasionally for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
After mulling for 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours, strain out the fruit and spices, and add in the gin. Stir to combine.
Ladle into tea mugs while warm. Garnish with orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and whole spices. Enjoy!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheat very gently on the stove.

Notes

Use high quality ingredients. Use good quality red wine and fresh juices. The flavor of the mulled gin heavily depends on the quality of these base ingredients. Freshly squeezed orange juice, in particular, makes a significant difference.

Use gentle heat. Always heat the mixture gently over very low heat, and avoid boiling. Boiling can cause the alcohol to evaporate and can also make some of the spices taste bitter. A slow simmer allows the flavors to infuse without losing the essence of the ingredients.

Allow time for the flavors to meld. The longer you mull, the more pronounced the flavors. However, be mindful not to overdo it, as the spices can become overpowering. Typically, 30 minutes to an hour is sufficient.

Balance the sweetness. Maple syrup adds a unique flavor, but the sweetness level can vary depending on the wine and juice you use. Start with a smaller amount and adjust according to your taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away.

Use whole spices. Fresh, whole spices are best. Ground spices can turn the drink cloudy and can be too overpowering, as the flavor is more concentrated.

Adding the gin. Add the gin after you've finished mulling. This preserves the gin's delicate botanical flavors and ensures you don't cook out the alcohol.

Strain before serving. Use a fine mesh strainer to remove all the spices and fruit pieces before serving. This ensures a smooth drink and a more pleasant texture.

Nutrition