When preparing non-alcoholic mulled wine, the same spices are used as for the classic version of the drink. Non-alcoholic mulled wine is very easy to make: instead of wine, grape juice or a non-alcoholic wine drink is used. In taste, this option turns out to be no less rich and aromatic than traditional mulled wine.
Base for Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine
The most popular base for non-alcoholic mulled wine is considered to be red or white grape juice. It is close to the classic drink in both color and taste characteristics. Moreover, the juice has a natural sweetness, so there is no need to add a large amount of sugar.
Grape juice already contains the fruitiness and acidity necessary for mulled wine. In the warm sweet base, the spices are particularly pronounced, resulting in a rich and aromatic drink.
Which Juice to Choose
- for "red" mulled wine — dark grape, cherry, or pomegranate;
- for "white" — white grape, apple, or pear.
If you choose non-alcoholic wine for preparation, the combination with spices will make the taste of the drink as close as possible to classic alcoholic mulled wine. Additionally, such a base provides a more harmonious balance of sweetness and acidity.
Recipe for Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of grape juice or non-alcoholic wine
- 1 orange (sliced into rounds)
- 1 apple (sliced into wedges)
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks
- 3–5 star anise
- 4–6 cloves
- 3–4 slices of ginger or ½ tsp grated
- 1–2 tbsp honey or sugar
Preparation:
- Pour the juice or non-alcoholic wine into a pot and add the spices. Add the orange rounds and apple.
- Heat the drink over low heat to a temperature of 70–80 °C. Do not boil the mulled wine, as the spices may become bitter.
- Keep the drink on the heat for 10–15 minutes to absorb the aroma of the spices.
- Remove the pot from the heat, add honey or sugar, and stir well. Let it steep for another 5 minutes.
- Strain the mulled wine or serve it with the fruits — as desired.
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