The best part of this Spiced Cider Wine is that it can be enjoyed by wine lovers and non-wine lovers alike and it does not contain any refined sugar. Most mulled wine recipes include a lot of sugar. This recipe uses spiced apple cider to add the sweetness instead along a with a delicious apple flavor.
Those that opt in can enjoy a glass of spiced apple cider mixed with some red wine for a warm cozy holiday glass of mulled spice. Those that opt out of the wine can still enjoy a warm cozy glass of apple cider mixed with holiday mulling spices.
For best results I would make this Spiced Cider Wine in the morning or the night before and then reheat on the stove for the spices to really blend with the cider. You can also just make it right before serving and still get some of the spice flavor.
Here are some tips:
- You can really adjust this recipe to your taste. If you like one particular spice more (anise, cinnamon, clove), you can add a little more of it.
- You can adjust the portion of cider to wine. I usually add three parts wine and one part apple cider but adjust for taste any way you like. Equal parts will be good too.
- While I have never tried this, using whisky instead of wine may work also.
- I usually use apple juice instead of apple cider and it works fine.
- The orange is optional. I have made this Spiced Cider Wine without it and it was still met with great results.
- Try to purchase pure apple juice or cider without any sugar added.
- You can probably use a different kind of fruit cider or sugar-free juice. I have not tested this but it will still add the natural sweetness.
Sugar-Free Spiced Cider Wine
Ingredients
- 52 oz Bottle of unsweetened apple juice or cider.
- 5-7 pieces Star Anise
- 3-4 sticks Cinnamon
- 5-6 pieces Cloves
- 2 Tblsp Orange juice Optional. Will be much better if fresh squeezed. You can also use orange zest or orange peels.
- 1 Apple, chopped into small pieces or slices. Optional. For garnish.
- Orange peels Optional. For garnish.
Instructions
- Add the apple juice or cider and all the spices to a pot. Also add the orange juice, zest or peels if using.
- Bring to a boil.
- Let boil for a couple minutes.
- Set heat to very low, cover and let it sit for at least thirty minutes. The longer you let it sit the better.
- If you are serving this right away, add the wine to a separate pot. Start on low heat and work up a bit to warm up the wine. No need to bring it to a boil.
- If you are serving later the same day, you can eave the cider on the stove in the pot for a few hours (with stove off) and just heat it up before serving. If serving the next day, you can refrigerate the cider and warm it up on the stove the next day.
- To serve, add one part cider, three parts wine to a glass. (Or any proportion you choose). Add apple pieces or slices, orange peels or zest and anise pieces and cinnamon sticks for garnish if desired.