Hi there! I’m Marie Jones, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of making mulled wine, it’s this: the internet is full of half-baked recipes for this festive drink. That’s why I’m here to give you the ultimate guide to Apple Mulled Wine, a seasonal favorite that blends tradition with a crisp, fruity twist.
While traditional mulled wine often leans on rich red wines, my apple version incorporates white wine and apples for a lighter, fruit-forward alternative that’s perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy winter nights. Plus, I’ll share insider tips that make all the difference, whether you're a newbie or a mulled wine pro.
What is Apple Mulled Wine?
First things first: Apple Mulled Wine is essentially a variation of mulled wine where the base is white wine combined with apple juice, fresh apples, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. It’s a fun departure from the more robust, sometimes heavy red mulled wine you often find at holiday markets.
The key difference? The apple twist! It brings out a delicate, sweet-tart profile that feels lighter on the palate but still warming. The crispness of the apples works wonderfully with the citrus and spice, making this a drink that’s as fragrant as it is delicious. And let’s not forget the added bonus: it’s pretty to serve!
Why Apple Mulled Wine?
So, why should you opt for Apple Mulled Wine? First of all, if you’re not a fan of red wine but still want to savor a spiced winter drink, this is the ideal compromise. In contrast to red mulled wine, the white wine and apples provide a fresh, lighter alternative, all while still maintaining the comforting warmth of traditional winter spices that you crave during the cooler months.
Additionally, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Simply grab a bottle of your favorite white wine (I recommend a fruity Chardonnay or Riesling, though Moscato works just as well), toss in some apple juice, fresh apple slices, a few cinnamon sticks, and your favorite spices. After that, let it simmer for a bit, and you’re ready to enjoy!
Key Ingredients: Apple Mulled Wine Essentials
To make the perfect Wine, you’ll need:
- White Wine: Dry or semi-sweet varieties work best. Think Chardonnay, Riesling, or even Moscato if you like a sweeter finish.
- Apple Juice: The fresher, the better! It helps round out the fruity notes of the wine while enhancing the apple flavor.
- Apples: Fresh, thinly sliced. I recommend Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of tart and sweet.
- Spices: Stick to the classics—cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and a bit of cardamom for complexity. These add the aromatic depth that makes mulled wine so irresistible.
- Citrus: Lemon or orange zest (but no pith!) brightens the flavors and adds a zesty touch.
- Sweetener: Optional, depending on your taste. I like to use brown sugar or maple syrup for a hint of caramelized richness.
The Recipe: How to Make Apple Mulled Wine
Here’s my no-fail recipe for a crowd-pleasing this kind of wine:
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of white wine (750ml)
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1 sliced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- Zest of 1 lemon (or orange)
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine the wine, apple juice, sliced apple, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
- Slowly heat the mixture over medium-low heat until it just starts to simmer. Don’t let it boil—you don’t want to lose the alcohol!
- Simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the flavors meld and the apples become tender.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding brown sugar or maple syrup.
- Remove from heat, strain if you prefer a smoother drink, or ladle directly into mugs.
- Garnish with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.
Pro tip: Let it sit off the heat for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to continue developing before serving. If you’re hosting, keeping it warm on the stove will fill your home with the most amazing aroma!
A Few Tips for Mulled Wine Perfection
- Don’t let it boil: You’ll lose all the alcohol, and trust me, that’s not the goal!
- Use a non-reactive pot: Stainless steel or enameled cast iron works best. Avoid aluminum as it can alter the flavor of the wine.
- Spice balance is key: Too much clove or star anise can overpower the drink, so keep it moderate. A little goes a long way!
Variations You’ll Love
Want to switch things up? Here are some tasty variations:
- Apple Mulled Wine with Cider: Swap half of the apple juice for apple cider for an extra apple-forward taste. Add a splash of brandy or vanilla bean-infused vodka for a stronger kick (perfect for parties!).
- German Apple Mulled Wine: Inspired by Glühwein, this version adds vanilla beans and maple syrup for a German twist. Simmer with extra cinnamon and star anise, then serve with a dollop of honey.
- Spiced Apple Mulled White Wine: If you prefer a lighter, zestier version, use white wine and fresh orange zest along with your apple juice. This variation feels like sipping sunshine during the chilly months.
Storing & Reheating the Wine
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Apple Mulled Wine can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just strain out the spices before refrigerating to prevent them from overpowering the flavor. Afterwards, when you’re ready for round two, gently reheat it on the stove without boiling.
Pairing Ideas
This cozy drink pairs wonderfully with seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies or a slice of warm apple pie. Hosting a holiday party? Consider setting up a mulled wine station where guests can customize their drinks with extra spices and fruit.
And there you have it—the ultimate guide to Apple Mulled Wine. Whether you’re looking to impress at a holiday party or just want to treat yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Happy mulling! 🍎🍷
Recipe for Baked Apple
For this recipe, we first need apple wine. I couldn’t find any at the grocery store—I probably should’ve checked other stores—but I eventually found this: a Moscato with apple, and I think it will work perfectly. I had a little taste, and it’s delicious! We also need some apple juice (I chose this one), honey, a cinnamon stick, some vanilla bean, and a few cloves.
Step 1
Now, to remove some of the bubbles, I’ve already transferred the apple wine into a different container. I’ll pour it into a saucepan and add the apple juice. You could use a clear apple juice, too—it doesn’t have to be like the one I used.
Step 2
Next, I’m adding the honey, followed by the cinnamon stick. For the vanilla bean, I’ll cut it open, and just so you know, once I’m done with this recipe, I’ll save the vanilla bean and use it to make vanilla sugar. You can find my vanilla sugar recipe here.
Step 3
Now, I’ll throw the vanilla bean into the mixture. It’s important to note that I’ll only heat this—I won’t let it boil. Some of you might be wondering why I’m not adding rum or another strong alcohol. Well, there’s a distinction between Glühwein and punch. As long as it’s just wine and other ingredients, it’s Glühwein. Once you add extra alcohol, it’s called punch in Germany (though, “punch” in English might sound a bit different).
Step 4
Once it’s hot, I’ll let it cool down and soak for a few hours. Then, before serving, I’ll reheat it—still making sure not to boil—and it will be ready to serve. After soaking for some time, I’m now removing the vanilla bean, cloves, and anything else that doesn’t belong in the drink. Let’s give it a taste. You could add a cinnamon stick for garnish, but it makes drinking more complicated, so I’ll skip it. Prost!
Conclusions
Baked Apple Mulled Wine, or Bratapfel Glühwein, is a delightful twist on the classic mulled wine, combining the warm, spiced flavors we love with the sweetness of baked apples. It’s a perfect drink for the colder months, offering a cozy and festive atmosphere with every sip. The simplicity of this recipe makes it accessible to everyone, whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply indulging at home.
By carefully choosing quality ingredients like apple wine, fresh spices, and a touch of honey, you can craft a rich, flavorful drink that embodies the warmth of the holiday season. Just remember to let the flavors infuse gently—without boiling—to preserve the delicate balance of tastes.
This Bratapfel Glühwein is not only easy to make but also versatile, allowing you to experiment with different kinds of wines and spices. Whether you're a fan of traditional mulled wine or looking for something new, this recipe is a must-try for all mulled wine lovers.
Cheers to a warm, delicious winter! 🍎🍷
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Recipe", "name": "Apple Mulled Wine", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Marie Jones" }, "image": "https://makewinelab.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Apple-Mulled-Wine.webp", "description": "A cozy and fruity Apple Mulled Wine recipe, blending white wine, fresh apples, and spices for the perfect fall and winter drink.", "keywords": "Apple Mulled Wine, Mulled Wine with Apple, apple cider mulled wine, white mulled wine with apple", "datePublished": "2024-09-29", "prepTime": "PT5M", "cookTime": "PT20M", "totalTime": "PT25M", "recipeCategory": "Drink", "recipeCuisine": "Holiday, Winter", "recipeYield": "4 servings", "nutrition": { "@type": "NutritionInformation", "calories": "210 calories" }, "recipeIngredient": [ "1 bottle of white wine (Chardonnay or Riesling)", "1 cup apple juice", "1 sliced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)", "2 cinnamon sticks", "4 whole cloves", "2 star anise", "Zest of 1 lemon or orange", "2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup (optional)" ], "recipeInstructions": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "In a large pot, combine the wine, apple juice, sliced apple, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Slowly heat the mixture over medium-low heat until it just starts to simmer. Do not boil." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the flavors meld and the apples become tender." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Taste and adjust sweetness with brown sugar or maple syrup if desired." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Remove from heat, strain if preferred, and serve warm. Garnish with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "reviewCount": "12" }, "suitableForDiet": "https://schema.org/VegetarianDiet", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://makewinelab.com/apple-mulled-wine" } }