As the temperature drops and the nights grow longer, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a steaming mug of mulled wine. With its rich blend of spices and robust flavors, mulled wine, or glühwein (pronounced "glue-vine"), has long been a staple of winter gatherings and holiday festivities. And thanks to Red Elk Mulled Wine Syrup, mulled wine is easier than ever for us Aussies to make!
But what if you’re looking to enjoy this festive drink without the alcohol? Whether you're abstaining for personal reasons, health choices, or simply looking to offer a more inclusive beverage option at your next gathering, non-alcoholic mulled wine is a delightful alternative that doesn’t skimp on taste or warmth.
Non-alcoholic wines have come a long way in recent years, offering complex flavors that rival their alcoholic counterparts. However, be weary when choosing your wine: Look for 'dealcoholised wine' rather than 'non-alcoholic' wine. Wineries go through specific processes to remove the alcohol from their wine -- the latter is most likely grape juice. Check the ingredients panel to confirm, as this will make a difference to your mulled wine. You're looking for a touch of sweetness; the red wine is to balance out all the other traditional spices of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, along with the citrus.
You can find most dealcoholised wines in their own dedicated section in most supermarkets, as well as your local alcohol stores. Create this cozy, alcohol-free version of a winter favorite, that captures the essence of the season just as beautifully.
Mulled Wine (Glühwein) - Non Alcoholic
Ingredients
Dealcoholised red wine - Merlot or Shiraz works best.
Water
Selection of garnishes, like sliced apple, cinnamon sticks, orange peel or star anise (optional)
Method - for 1.6L
In a heatproof jug mix 400ml Red Elk Gluhwein Mulled Wine Syrup with 1L dealcoholised red wine and 250ml water.
Heat in the microwave or on the stove until warm at desired temperature, about 65ºC - 70ºC.
Serve in a mug or glass tumbler and garnish (optional).
Method - for a 330ml cup
In a heatproof jug mix 80ml Red Elk Gluhwein Mulled Wine Syrup with 200ml dealcoholised red wine and 50ml water.
Heat in the microwave or on the stove until warm at desired temperature, about 65ºC - 70ºC.
Serve in a mug or glass tumbler and garnish (optional).
Notes
Pre-heat your mug or glass with some hot water before serving, so the mulled wine won't cool off as quickly.
The ingredients don't have to be warm when mixing, you're going to heat it soon anyway!
You can also make mulled wine in a slow cooker. Make the above recipe in a slow cooker, then turn dial to 'HIGH' for 30 minutes. Then, turn dial to 'KEEP WARM' to maintain the temperature for your guests. Alternately, you can make recipe in a heat proof jug, heat in microwave to desired temperature, then pour into slow cooker and turn dial to 'KEEP WARM'. Keep a ladle handy so guests can serve themselves.
As always, it's a good rule of thumb to not boil your mulled wine. Even though the alcohol has already been removed in this case, you still want to enjoy it without burning your tongue!
You can also make this recipe ahead of time and store in a jug in the fridge and use when it's ready to be heated.
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