How to make vegan mulled wine

Hello everyone!

Winter is the perfect season for enjoying a warm, comforting drink, and mulled wine fits the bill beautifully. Traditionally, mulled wine recipes might include ingredients like honey or gelatin, which aren't vegan. But fear not! Here's how to make a scrumptious, vegan mulled wine that will warm your heart and soul without straying from your plant-based lifestyle.

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Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (750 ml) of vegan red wine - Look for labels that confirm no animal products are used in the fining process.
• 1 orange - sliced, preferably organic since you'll use the peel.
• 1 lemon - sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4-5 cloves
• 2 star anise
• 1 vanilla pod, split open (optional) - For that extra layer of flavour.
• 1/4 cup of maple syrup or agave nectar - Adjust according to your sweetness preference.
• A few slices of fresh ginger - for a spicy kick, if you like.
• Optional spices: cardamom pods or a pinch of nutmeg for complexity.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash your orange and lemon and slice them thinly. If you're using ginger, cut it into thin rounds as well.
2. Combine Everything: In a large saucepan, pour in the bottle of red wine. Add the sliced orange, lemon, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and, if using, the vanilla pod and ginger. Pour in the maple syrup or agave nectar.
3. Heat Gently: Place the saucepan over low heat. You want this to warm up slowly; never let it boil, as this can burn off the alcohol and alter the wine's flavour. Stir occasionally to mix the flavours.
4. Simmer: Once the mixture is warm, let it simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the spices to infuse into the wine. Keep the heat very low to maintain warmth without boiling.
5. Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the mulled wine. If you need more sweetness, add a bit more maple syrup or agave. If you're looking for more spice, let it simmer a bit longer or add extra spices.
6. Strain (Optional): If you prefer your mulled wine without floating bits of spice or fruit, strain it through a fine mesh sieve before serving. Otherwise, serve as is for a rustic look.
7. Serve: Ladle into heat-proof glasses or mugs. Garnish with an extra slice of orange or a cinnamon stick for presentation.

Tips:

• Alcohol-Free Version: For a non-alcoholic mulled wine, use red grape juice instead of wine.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for a couple of days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Customise: Feel free to play with the spice mix. Some might prefer more cloves or less cinnamon. It's all about finding your perfect blend.

Enjoy your vegan mulled wine during chilly evenings, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a warm, spiced drink. Cheers to staying warm and cosy the vegan way!

Thank you for reading, and until next time, take care.