Celebrating Fall with Mulled Wine

There’s just something about fall—the crisp air, cozy sweaters, and those rich, warm scents that fill a room with comfort. One of my favorite ways to celebrate this season is with a pot of homemade mulled wine. It’s a little ritual that turns any day into a special moment. Picture it: as the wine and spices heat up, the most incredible aroma fills your space, wrapping you in the scents of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, mulled wine is an easy, delicious way to bring the heart of fall right into your home. Guests walk in, greeted by the warm, spiced aroma of mulled wine filling the air, setting the perfect cozy tone for a fall celebration.

Mulled wine is a simple pleasure with deep roots, going back to traditions of spicing wine for warmth and flavor. Adding a splash of brandy gives it that extra cozy kick, perfect for chilly evenings. With just a few ingredients and little effort, you can create something that feels festive, tastes amazing, and makes your home smell like fall itself.

Recipe: Brandy-Infused Mulled Wine

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (750ml) red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)

• 1/4 cup brandy

• 2-3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (to taste)

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 3-4 whole cinnamon sticks

• 4-5 whole cloves

• 3-4 star anise

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)

• A few sprigs of rosemary or thyme (optional)

• Whole spices for garnish (like extra cinnamon sticks or star anise)

Instructions:

1. In a medium pot, combine the wine and brandy. Add the honey or maple syrup, adjusting the sweetness as you like.

2. Add the orange and lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and a touch of nutmeg if desired. For a herbal hint, toss in a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme.

3. Heat the mixture gently over low heat for about 20-25 minutes, being careful not to let it boil. As it warms, that wonderful aroma will fill your space.

4. When ready, taste and adjust the sweetness or spices to your liking.

5. Pour into mugs, and garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise, or an orange slice.

Serve it up warm, savor the flavor, and let the season's aromas fill the room. Here’s to making every fall evening a little more magical—cheers!

TIP: If you want to make it quickly you can use my favorite spice mix from Amazon; Aspen Mulling Cider Spices.