Drinks
Non-alcoholic mulled grape juice
Alcohol-free mulled wine smells of New Year, Christmas markets and cosy evenings. It has everything people love about the classic: orange, cinnamon, cloves and spicy warmth, but no wine, so the whole family can enjoy it, including children and anyone driving. Red grape juice is the base, giving deep colour and a flavour close to wine. The spices are not boiled but gently warmed in the juice, then left to infuse. That way the aroma fully develops and the juice doesn't taste stewed. A big pan for six mugs takes 25 minutes.
Method
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Wash the orange and apple. Slice the orange into rounds and the apple into wedges without the core. Thinly slice the ginger.
Put 200 ml of water in a pan with the cinnamon stick, cloves and ginger. Bring to the boil and simmer for 3 minutes to release the spices.
Pour in the grape juice and add the fruit.
Heat gently for 7-10 minutes until small bubbles appear around the edge. Don't let it boil.
Take off the heat, cover and leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
Stir in honey to taste.
Strain, or ladle into warmed mugs with the fruit.
Tips for success
- Don't boil the juice; it loses its fresh flavour and tastes stewed.
- Use whole spices, not ground, which make the drink cloudy.
- Warm the mugs with boiling water so the drink stays hot longer.
- You can keep it on the lowest heat until guests arrive; just don't let it boil.
Serving and storage
Serve hot in glass mugs, garnished with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
Keep the strained drink in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently without boiling.
Variations
- With cherry juice for a tarter, richer flavour.
- Apple version: clear apple juice with orange, cinnamon and star anise.
- With hibiscus: mix 500 ml of strong hibiscus tea with 500 ml of grape juice.
Calories and macros
Per serving (about 263 g):
Per 100 g: 57 kcal, P 0.3, F 0.1, C 14.3. An estimate based on average ingredient values. Your daily calories ›
