Smoky Citrus Mulled Wine

A delightful Victorian era drink with a rich history, the Smoky Citrus Mulled Wine is a warm and comforting beverage that has been cherished since the time of Charles Dickens. This aromatic concoction combines the robust flavors of red wine and port with the essence of roasted citrus fruits, cloves, and spices. The result is a perfectly balanced, bittersweet elixir that is best enjoyed piping hot during the winter months. Whether served at festive gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire, this classic libation is sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth.

Smoky Citrus Mulled Wine

A warm and comforting Victorian era drink featuring mulled red wine and port infused with roasted citrus, cloves, and spices.

4.61 from 39 votes
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Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 30 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 orange
  • 1 etrog, grapefruit, or lemon
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 star anise
  • 5 oz red wine
  • 5 oz port (ruby, young port)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
  2. Pierce the orange with 5 cloves, then halve it. Halve the etrog, grapefruit, or lemon as well.
  3. Place the fruit on a baking sheet and roast for 35-45 minutes until the bottom is blackened and the fruit bulges open.
  4. Transfer the hot fruit to a non-reactive container, and add the brown sugar, cinnamon stick, and star anise.
  5. Pour in the red wine and let it sit in a sunny window for 24 hours to allow the fruit to release its oils.
  6. Discard the fruit skins and strain the wine mixture into a large pot, adding the cinnamon stick and star anise back into the pot.
  7. Heat the mixture until just below a simmer, then add the port and heat until "smoking" hot.
  8. Remove the cinnamon sticks and star anise, and serve the mulled wine hot from a punch bowl.