Elevate your winter evenings by crafting this classic beverage on top of a wood-burning stove, allowing the crackling flames to infuse your drink with a rustic charm. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the steps to create the perfect mulled wine that will fill your home with a festive and inviting aroma.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine
• 1 orange, sliced
• 8-10 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 star anise
• 1/2 cup of honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
• Additional orange slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish

Procedure:

Choose the Right Wine: Start by selecting a robust red wine. Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well, providing a solid base for the warm and spicy flavours of mulled wine.

Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the orange and insert the whole cloves into the orange slices. This helps to release the warm, citrusy flavours into the wine. Gather the cinnamon sticks and star anise for added spice.

Combine Ingredients in a Pot: Pour the red wine into a sturdy pot and place it on the top of your wood-burning stove. Add the orange slices with cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding honey or sugar.

Heat Gently: Allow the wine mixture to heat gently on the wood-burning stove. It's essential to warm the ingredients slowly to let the flavours meld without boiling the wine, which can affect its taste.

Simmer and Infuse: Let the mixture infuse for at least 15 minutes, allowing the spices and citrus to impart their flavours into the wine. Only allow it to simmer, remove from stove to prevent boiling.

Optional: Add Brandy: For an extra kick, consider adding 1/4 cup of brandy to the mulled wine. This step is entirely optional but can enhance the richness of the beverage.

Strain and Serve: After simmering, strain the mulled wine to remove the spices and orange slices. Pour the mulled wine into mugs or heat-resistant glasses.

Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish each serving with additional orange slices and cinnamon sticks. Sip and savour the warmth of this delightful beverage as the wood-burning stove adds its rustic touch.

Conclusion

Crafting mulled wine on top of a wood-burning stove is a delightful way to infuse your winter evenings with warmth and flavour. The crackling fire, combined with the aromatic spices and rich red wine, creates a comforting atmosphere that invites relaxation and joy. So, gather around your wood-burning stove, raise a glass of homemade mulled wine, and let the winter festivities begin. Cheers to cosy comforts!

Safety First: Before placing any cookware on your wood-burning stove, check your stove manufacturer's guidelines. Not all stoves are designed to support the weight or heat of cooking vessels. Always ensure that your stove is suitable for this purpose to avoid any potential damage.

Written by Gary Walker 
Gary, owner of Swept. Chimney Sweeping Services in Huddersfield, is a HETAS trained and approved chimney sweep, co-founder of GD Logs (www.gdlogs.co.uk), and an award-winning direct marketing expert. Raised on a small holding with a passion for wood burners since the 80s, Gary is City & Guilds NPTC qualified in Chainsaws and Tree Felling. He advocates for sustainable heating fuels and possesses a passion for wood burning stoves. 

Back to advice page