Cranberry Pear Mulled Wine

When the weather cools down, there are few drinks as comforting, and effortless, as mulled wine. It's one of the easiest recipes you can make for winter and holiday entertaining. 

This Cranberry Pear Mulled Wine puts a refined spin on the classic by enhancing the natural character of wine with our Amoretti® Natural Cranberry and Pear Artisan Flavors. The cranberry adds a natural sweetness with a subtle tartness that complements not only the warm spice notes, but also the jamminess found within red wine. The Natural Pear Artisan Flavor enhances the pear notes in a way that sliced pears simply can’t achieve.

With just a few minutes of prep and a trip to the stove (or a slowcooker), you can easily scale this recipe from a cozy night in, to a gathering with a full house. 

Ingredients

• 1 750-ml. bottle of red wine (merlot or zinfadel)
• 1/2 tablespoon Amoretti® Natural Cranberry Artisan Flavor
• 1 teaspoon Amoretti® Natural Pear Artisan Flavor
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds, plus more for garnish
• 6 whole cloves
• 3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
• 3 star anise
• 1 pear, thinly sliced
• Fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brandy

Directions

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, add the red wine, cranberry and pear Artisan Flavors, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, sliced pear, fresh cranberries, and honey.
2. Warm the mixture over low heat until steaming. Do not let it boil, gentle heat preserves the wine’s flavor and prevents the alcohol from cooking off too quickly.
3. Let the wine simmer for 20–30 minutes, allowing the spices and fruit to infuse fully.
4. Stir in the brandy just before serving for added warmth and depth.
5. Ladle into heatproof glasses and garnish with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or star anise as desired.