Mulled Wine & Port

2023 Let’s Get Blitzen: Cocktail Advent Calendar – Day 23 – Mulled Wine & Port. While I make some version of this annually, this could be my favourite recipe thus far, a must-try this holiday season.  

I’m not sure what it is about this recipe but the result is so rich and delicious, the first glass tastes like a second. Bonus: this mulled wine and port will make your house smell like Christmas ambrosia – the intoxicating scent of citrus, gingerbread, and baking spices.

It’s hard to believe we’re on the second last day of this year’s advent calendar and only two sleeps away from Christmas. December always goes by in an absolute blur but this year has been even more frantic than usual – between my slow recovery from a bacterial infection in my stomach in late November, Michael rupturing his Achilles tendon, shooting and producing all the content for the advent calendar, staying on top of work at my day job, hosting, etc.

I’m very much looking forward to a week off next week – the one time of year my entire office is closed meaning absolutely no one is messaging me looking for stuff. We’re planning to spend some time relaxing at the cottage, doing puzzles, making elaborate meals, and luxuriating.

Maybe I’ll even attempt my first gluten-free baking project! I was diagnosed with celiac disease in July and have yet to attempt any baking projects using gluten-free flours/alternatives. Michael got me a gluten-free baking cookbook and I’m desperate to snack on some GF cinnamon rolls.

I’ve never been a big baker. The level of precision required and the amount of dishes it produces can be discouraging if you’re not mentally prepared for that strenuous attention to detail and having to scrub every bowl and pan in your kitchen. Luckily, drinks like this one give you the satisfying scent of freshly baked cookies, without all the dishes.

Be sure to tune into my Instagram Stories tonight at 5 p.m. Eastern for a step-by-step tutorial on how to serve up this winter warmer.

Cheers, friends!

Mulled Wine & Port

5 from 1 vote

Print

Mulled Wine & Port

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

20 mins

 

While I make some version of this annually, this could be my favourite recipe thus far, a must-try this holiday season.  

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Orange Liqueur, Port, Red Wine

Servings: 8 drinks

Author: Yvonne Langen

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp dried cloves
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1½ cup tawny port
• 1½ cup Cabernet Sauvignon
• ½ cup Grand Marnier
• ½ cup gingerbread syrup
• 1 cup water
• Peel of 1 lemon
• Peel of 1 orange
• 1 star anise
• Garnish: cinnamon stick

Gingerbread Syrup

• 1 cup demerara sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger thinly sliced
• 1 tsp whole allspice berries
• 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
• 5 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring to a low boil and then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Serve in heatproof mugs with a cinnamon stick.

Gingerbread Syrup

1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a low boil, stirring frequently.
2. Reduce heat to medium low and let simmer for about 20 minutes until syrup is slightly thickened.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Remove solids and fine strain into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 1 month.