Warm Up Your Evenings: A Simple Guide to Crafting Delicious Crockpot Mulled Wine
Easy Crockpot Mulled Wine
Looking for a drink that's easy, festive, and perfectly delicious? Get ready to cozy up on the couch with a fluffy blanket and a glass of warm and comforting mulled wine. Crockpot mulled wine is a fantastic drink to make in big batches when entertaining this winter season, and you can utilize the slow cooker's ability to keep the mulled wine warm and ready for your second (or third) refill at any time during the evening. Ready to be warmed from the inside out?
Origins Of Mulled Wine
Although the idea of heating wine with spices has been around for centuries, mulled wine gained popularity in America after establishing itself as the main drink of choice in the German Christmas markets. Now, people often enjoy mulled wine at home during the holidays with spices, citrus, and a touch of sweetness to take the edge off the wine’s bitterness.
Top Red Wine For A Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
The best red wine to use in your crockpot mulled wine recipe is those with a light, fruity base. Great options include cabernet sauvignon, malbec, or shiraz.
Here are our top three choices for the best red wine for a crockpot mulled wine you can find in most grocery stores:
1. Woodbridge
Woodbridge Harvest Spiced Blend is our go-to recommendation for an affordable wine that is mellow enough that even mulled wine rookies will enjoy.
Price: $5-8
2. Cline
For a more full-bodied option, with lots of fruity notes with a hint of coffee and chocolate, try the Cline Zinfandel Ancient Vines. This wine is also made in California, so it’s a great option to choose when visiting our beautiful cabins in Big Bear.
Price: $10-15
3. Leyda
Leyda Pinot Noir was practically made to be a mulled wine with its full-body and classic taste. This rich wine from Chile is an excellent option for seasoned mulled wine drinkers.
Price: $30-35
Our Favorite Crockpot Mulled Wine Recipe
Ingredients:
1 bottle of red wine
5 cardamom pods
2 cinnamon sticks
2 Star anise
6 Cloves
1-2 oranges, zested and juiced
⅓ cup sugar (or ¼ cup honey)
*Do not use ground spices as they won’t blend into the wine and leave it gritty.
Method:
Add your red wine, spices, and orange to the crockpot and give it a little stir.
Simmer on LOW for at least 30 minutes or until the mulled wine is steaming.
Once the mulled wine has reached your desired temperature, change your crockpot setting to KEEP WARM (for other slow cookers, lower to a temperature of approximately 150°F or 65°C).
How To Serve Mulled Wine:
Set up serving mugs or glasses alongside the crockpot. Use a ladle to serve the mulled wine into glasses and add any garnish, such as a cinnamon stick, a slice of orange, or some pomegranate seeds.
Cheers To Mulled Wine!
The beauty of using a crockpot to heat your mulled wine is that you can simply set it and forget it. Thus, allowing you time to unwind from a day hiking or exploring the local area while the crockpot works its magic. Slow cookers are the perfect vessel for winter cocktails!
Reset your winter blues with a visit to Big Bear. Hit the slopes or enjoy a relaxing day of adventures in the surrounding area after a restful night in one of our luxury Midnight Moon cabins at Big Bear Lake, Ca.
Complete your mountain adventures in Big Bear with a blazing fire, a warm glass of our favorite crockpot mulled wine, and an unforgettable cabin stay.
Midnight Moon Cabins offers an array of modern luxury dog-friendly cabin rentals right in the heart of Big Bear Lake. Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are just a short drive away, as are the many other fun activities in the village and surrounding area. Book your stay today.