Hey y'all! Looking to warm up your winter nights without the booze? This Mulled Wine Mocktail is a cozy, alcohol-free take on the classic mulled wine, bursting with citrusy brightness and aromatic spices. It's the perfect drink for parties, family gatherings, or a quiet night in by the fire. Ready to fill your home with irresistibly festive aromas? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Mulled Wine Mocktail
- All the flavor of traditional mulled wine without any alcohol—perfect for all ages.
- Quick to prepare, filling your home with warm, inviting aromas in just 20 minutes.
- Flexible ingredients let you adjust citrus and spice to your personal tastes.
- Beautifully festive for holiday parties, brunches, or chilly evenings.
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free!
Mulled Wine Mocktail Ingredients
- 1 liter red grape juice
- 2 cups unsweetened cranberry juice
- 1 large orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced (optional)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 3 star anise
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2-4 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (to taste, vegan version)
How to Make Mulled Wine Mocktail
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a large saucepan, combine the red grape juice, cranberry juice, orange slices, lemon slices, and apple slices. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, ginger, nutmeg, and your chosen sweetener.
Step 2: Simmer Your Mulled Wine Mocktail
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring just to a gentle simmer (do not boil), reducing the heat if bubbles start to form. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Strain and Serve
Strain the mocktail into mugs or heatproof glasses, removing the fruit and spices. Garnish with a fresh orange slice, star anise, or cinnamon stick for extra flair. Serve hot!
Mulled Wine Mocktail Notes
- Adjust the sweetness according to your preference—try monk fruit sweetener for a low-calorie option. For more info on natural sweeteners, check out this EatingWell guide.
- Use high-quality juice for best results, preferably not from concentrate.
- To keep spices contained, use a spice bag for easy removal after simmering.
Mulled Wine Mocktail Variations
- Spiced Pomegranate Mocktail: Substitute pomegranate juice for cranberry juice and add a splash of apple cider for extra fruitiness.
- Chai Mulled Wine Mocktail: Add two chai tea bags during simmering and remove before serving for a warming, spiced twist.
- Berry Citrus Mulled Mocktail: Use blueberry and orange juice in place of cranberry and grape for a vibrant, colorful blend.
Mulled Wine Mocktail Required Equipment
- Large saucepan or pot
- Strainer or fine mesh sieve
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle
- Heatproof mugs or glasses
Mulled Wine Mocktail Storage Instructions
Allow leftover mocktail to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave—avoid boiling to preserve flavor and freshness.
Mulled Wine Mocktail Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Pair with spiced cookies or gingerbread for a festive holiday treat.
- Serve alongside a cheese platter with sharp cheddar or brie to complement the fruity flavors.
- Perfect with roasted nuts or savory appetizers for parties.
Mulled Wine Mocktail Pro Tips
- Crush spices lightly before adding to the pot for deeper flavor infusion (tips from Bon Appétit).
- Don’t let the mixture boil—gentle simmering is key to preserving the fresh and vibrant flavors.
- Prep the mocktail ahead; flavors intensify with a few hours of chilling, then reheat before serving.
Mulled Wine Mocktail FAQ
- Can I make this Mulled Wine Mocktail ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prepare it a day ahead, refrigerate, and gently reheat before serving—flavors deepen overnight.
- Which juice is best for Mulled Wine Mocktail?
- Red grape juice gives the most authentic wine look and flavor, but you can use a mix of pomegranate, cranberry, or blueberry juices.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker?
- Yes! Combine everything in your slow cooker, cover, and heat on low for 2-3 hours for easy, fuss-free preparation.
For more delicious non-alcoholic options, explore these mocktail recipes at BBC Good Food.
Ingredients
- 2 cups red grape juice
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
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1In a large saucepan, combine red grape juice, pomegranate juice, and cranberry juice.
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2Add orange slices, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise to the pan.
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3Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not boil.
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4Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
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5Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired, then strain into mugs and serve warm, garnishing with additional citrus slices or cinnamon sticks if you like.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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