WINTER MULLED SPICED WINE

Mulled wine is another perfect drink for cold winter nights. This non-alcoholic mulled wine recipe is filled with spices and an aroma that will create a cozy but festive environment! It is just what you need to lift your spirits on a dreary, stormy or snowy evening.

The magic ingredient is the grape juice!

Blending different types of grape juices can mimic the flavor profile of a Cabernet. Deep-colored grape juices like Concord or Alicante Bouschet can provide the base, while adding juices like Merlot or Syrah can add complexity and tannins. Experimenting with proportions and spices like black pepper or oak chips can further enhance the Cabernet-like experience.

Cozy Recipe for NA Mulled Wine – Starting with the Right Ingredients

There are a variety of grape juices from which to choose, but the deep richness of Welch’s brand is always my favorite.

Ingredients::

• Welch’s grape juice (or your favorite brand) — 6 ounces per person for one drink.
• Mulling spices — Fresh, dried orange and lemon peels, whole cinnamon, shaved or grated nutmeg, cloves and cardamon, ground allspice seasoning, and whole star anise. Or, to make it easy on yourself, you may opt to purchase a pre-mixed package of mulling spices.
• Add a few Cinnamon sticks or fruit to garnish, and of course, we all love cherries!

First, go ahead and make your mulling spice with a mix of dried orange and lemon peels, whole cinnamon, ground or shaved nutmeg, cloves, cardamon, ground allspice, and star anise. About a cup of mixed spices will be perfect for 6 glasses of mulling wine. Of course, if you don’t have these spices in your cabinet, you can always pick up a pre-made mulling spice at your local grocery, like Whole Foods or Fresh Market. If you would like to use dried, crushed spices, you only need about a teaspoon for each 6 oz. cup of juice. Feel free to mix and match whole and crushed spices.

Then, grab a cooking pot large enought to hold all of the liquid, and warm the spice mixture on the stove. Add 6 ounces of grape juice (per person) to your pot with the spice mixture. Be careful to only warm the mixture and not bring it to a boil, or it may thicken the juice. So just simmer the ingredients enough to insure the spices are infused in the juice — usually about 10 minutes is enough. Savor the aroma.

After it has simmered, place a strainer on the rim of your cup(s) and slowly pour the liquid about a 3/4 cup full. Or if you prefer, you can strain the NA spiced mulled juice into a larger container, then pour several glasses to share with friends or family. The amount of juice you simmer will determine how many people can enjoy! We hope you enjoy this delicious and bold flavor and the powerful aroma as a bonus.