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Mulled wine is a comforting, warm spiced wine enjoyed in most European countries with cooler climates. In Australia, mulled wine used to be confined to apres ski bar menus, right next to the cheese fondue. Fortunately, in recent years, more Aussies are embracing the idea of a soothing and delicious mulled wine in winter, even if we aren’t high up in a mountain chalet.
Recipes for mulled wines vary, but most start with a base of dry red wine that is gently heated with fresh orange, as well as spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, and a bit of port or brandy. In this easy recipe, we use McGuigan Zero Shiraz to create a booze-free version of a traditional mulled wine brew that anyone - regardless of age or lifestyle choice - can enjoy.
McGuigan Zero is crafted just like our other wines but has an extra step to remove the alcohol at the end of the production process. The varietals included in the McGuigan Zero range are a delicious alcohol-free alternative to your favourite wine, and as an added bonus, they are also lower in calories, and sugar and are gluten-free.
Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, star anise and nutmeg, the aromas of this non-alcoholic mulled wine will emanate from your stovetop and greet your guests with a lovely, fragrant welcome. It’s the ultimate beverage for entertaining in winter, especially if you’re gathering outside by a fire. And the deep red colour and heavenly scent make it the perfect choice for a Christmas in July celebration.
It can be made in a large batch to serve a group of people, and because it’s a family-friendly mulled wine, it can be savoured by everyone at your event. Even children will feel like they are an extra special part of the celebration when they are sipping on this warm and sweet concoction.
McGuigan Zero Shiraz is the perfect choice for this recipe as it is a rich and fruit-forward red wine with subtle spicy notes and a balanced flavour of sweet blackcurrant. It is a wonderful match for the spicy and citrus aromatics you will add to your brew.
Ingredients
Note: Sugar can be added to taste. Put it in at the end of the brewing process and make sure it completely dissolves in the heat before serving.
Optional: Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks and star anise into the mug as a garnish.
Place all ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan on medium heat.
Stir gently and bring to a simmer. Do not boil.
Simmer gently for a further 20 minutes.
With a slotted spoon, sieve out the larger spices and orange slices and set them aside for garnish.
Use a ladle to pour the warm mulled wine into a heatproof glass or mug.
To gently extract the delicate flavour from the aromatics, never boil the mulled wine. Keep it on a gentle simmer for at least 20 minutes. A longer infusion time will give it a more intense flavour.
Since it is a hot beverage, you need to serve it in a glass or mug that can withstand heat and protect your hands from burning. It also helps to choose a mug with handles and a wide opening, so your guests can drink the wine with the aromatics inside.
Experiment with different spices to suit your taste. Other spices to consider adding to the mix include cardamom, ginger, clove, allspice and juniper berry.
Mulled wine can be made in advance. Once you have made the brew, let it cool and then refrigerate. Reheat in a saucepan on the stove on low heat for around 20 minutes and serve warm.
Non-alcoholic mulled wine will last for 3-4 days when stored in a covered container in the fridge.
Any leftover mulled wine must be cooled completely before it can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the mulled wine. Once cooled, pour it into a freezer-proof container, making sure you allow a couple of inches of extra space to prevent overflowing.
To make this non-alcoholic mulled wine in your slow cooker, simply add all the ingredients into the inner pot and cook on low for 1.5 hours. You can then switch the slow cooker to the warm setting when it’s time to serve.
Our rich and full-flavoured McGuigan Zero Shiraz Alcohol Free with its subtle spice and vanilla notes complemented by plum and forest berry aromas is an excellent non-alcoholic alternative to create a festive mulled wine that the whole family can enjoy.
With more people adopting a mindful approach to drinking, having an inclusive selection of beverages at your next event is also a considerate touch. Our McGuigan Zero wine range includes five delicious, rich and full-flavoured non-alcoholic varietals that overcome the outdated notion that not drinking is boring.
