Best 5 Mulled Drink Recipes
Brian Kennedy , 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
When it comes to steamy seasonal sippers, piping-hot cups of cocoa and glasses of rich buttered rum may be go-to picks, but when warmed, wine, sangria and cider can shake the December chill too. The secret to serving mulled beverages is pairing the drink with the warm flavors of complementary ingredients, like fragrant spices and fresh fruit. Read on below for Food Network's top-five mulled drink recipes to find seasonal inspiration for wine, cider and sangria from Rachael Ray, Ina Garten, Alton Brown and more of your favorite chefs.
5. Mulled Cran-Cider — Crimson-colored cranberries add sweetness to Rachael's fuss-free cider, while ginger promises subtle spice and a welcome bite to the drink.
4. Hot Mulled Cider — Ready to enjoy in a hurry, Ina's big-batch drink laced with cloves and star anise is a last-minute party favorite that's made with only a handful of ingredients.
3. Mulled Red Wine Sangria — No longer just a thirst-quenching summer cocktail, Bobby Flay's brandy-spiked sangria is warmed with a duo of citruses for added freshness.
2. Mulled Apple Cider Cocktail — After simmering cider with fragrant cinnamon sticks and a pinch of nutmeg, Alex Guarnaschelli lets the mixture cool before tossing it with sweetened crisp apples and a splash of sparkling wine to create an over-the-top sipper.
1. Mulled Wine — The beauty of Alton's top-rated drink (pictured above) is that it's prepared entirely in a percolator, which means you can serve the drink from the same machine in which it was made. Prepare a batch of his orange-laced wine for a party, and let guests help themselves so you don't have to play bartender all night long.