Hot mulled grape juice is full of those spices associated with autumn, winter and Christmas. Since it's non-alcoholic this juice is a warm and cosy drink the whole family can enjoy.
I can deny it all I like but December, and the official countdown to Christmas, is just about upon us. The weather has definitely turned more wintery and a few twinkly lights have already begun to appear in neighbouring gardens. That means it's time to crack open the mulled drinks. But, to my surprise, I find myself talking about Mulled Grape Juice rather than the more typical mulled wine.
My kids always get excited when I start serving up mulled apple juice. But my Pinterest feed has been chock-full of such recipes this year. That got my mind working on alternatives and well, since grape juice bears a striking resemblance to red wine, that's where my meanderings ended up.
This Mulled Grape Juice is packed full of all the usual flavours found in mulled wine - alcohol aside. It's a seasonal medley of juice, cranberries, oranges & lemons, cinnamon, cloves, star anise and ginger. My girls fell for it immediately. They've already requested it for Christmas Day.
And the best part about this Mulled Grape Juice is its simplicity. There's about 5 minutes’ worth of preparation, 10 minutes of cooking, 30 minutes of snoozing whilst the flavours infuse and then it's ready. It can be consumed straightaway or re-heated, so it's a great drink to prepare in advance of any party you are hosting. Oh, and it goes without saying that you could also pour some into pretty bottles and gift to hosts if you are the lucky partygoer.
Just for the record, I have a fantastic recipe for mulled wine, which I've made, without fail, every year for the past decade. Here it is. I think you'll agree, it looks exactly like mulled wine. Shocking. One day I'll get around to sharing the recipe on here. You'll love it.
But for now, let's enjoy the healthy and fruity delight that is Mulled Grape Juice - suitable for everybody to sip on and feel festive.
What's that, you want a festive drink but you want it to be boozy? How about a fig & almond McMerry Martini or a Black Forest Martini.
Mulled Grape Juice
Ingredients
- 1 litre/ 4 cups Grape juice (I recommend red, but purple will suffice)
- 1 Cinnamon stick (10cm)
- 1 Star Anise
- 6 Cloves
- 15g Fresh Ginger (about 3 x 1cm thick slices)
- 1 Orange - sliced into 6 rounds
- 2 Slices lemon
- 1 Handful fresh cranberries
- 1 tablespoon Maple syrup
Instructions
- Put all ingredients into a medium saucepan and heat until almost boiling
- Turn off the heat an let infuse for 30 minutes
- Ladle into mugs and enjoy
- If cooling to reheat later, strain to remove the fruit ands spices. The flavour will naturally intensify. Add some fresh orange and cranberries when you reheat it
- Keeps for up to 5 days in the fridge. Reheat before serving
Lisa Minervini
Can I substitute the ginger with anything? My husband doesn't like it.
Jane Saunders
Hey Lisa - you can leave it out and just add in an extra cinnamon stick if you like. Alternatively, drop in 5 black peppercorns in place of the ginger. Hope those suggestions help.
Milosha
Hi! I made this drink for a friend that doesn't drink alcohol and it was super popular with everyone. So tasty!
If I want to make an alcoholic version using the same receipe, what would you suggest I add or change?
Jane Saunders
Hi Milosha, so great tp hear it was a hit. I've never added alcohol to this drink, but I think a clear spirit, such as vodka, white rum or perhaps tequila might work. Alternatively, I have a mulled apple juice that pairs well with gin and I have a mulled wine recipe.
Sylvia Manner
Making this for Thanksgiving! Glad I found it. Also wanted to make the mulled wine you have made for decades, but the link is to the stock image, not the recipe. Can you post the recipe? I’d love to try yours!
Jane Saunders
Ah, thanks Sylvia - I guess I really should get around to posting the mulled wine properly. In the meantime, I could email ingredients to you if you would like me to?
Jessie V
Made this tonight for the winter solstice in Australia. What a fantastic recipe! Kids loved helping me make it and were very excited to drink it. Will definitely be using this recipe again! Thanks
Jane Saunders
Jessie, thank you so much for letting me know how you got along. It makes my day. Over in the UK we had the summer solstice yesterday, which felt like a joke as summer weather has yet to make an appearance this year!
Amir
Made this tonight for my partner who is pregnant and missing mulled wine over the festive period. It went down very well and would highly recommend this recipe. I'm sure I'll be making more of it
Jane Saunders
Thankyou so much Amir and all the very best for the remainder of the pregnancy and beyond.
lulubelle
I made this 3 times over the festive period, (massively scaled up for 20+ each time) it was such a hit! I only hope I can still get fresh cranberries next time I venture out, am going to freeze them so I can make this at will when i need it. THANK YOU x
Jane Saunders
Wow. Thankyou so much for letting me know. It makes my day when someone takes the time to let me know they like my recipe. We are just finishing off a big batch I made up for guests and then forgot to serve (I was cooking Christmas Dinner for 13 people all with healthy appetites, so I don't feel too bad).
Alison
Just wonderful!
This is the second year running I've made this for the willow wreath workshops I run.
Last year we had quite a few requests for the recipe.
I've currently got a 10L batch on the job for this weekend's festivities... The house smells divine!
For anyone struggling to find red grape juice in the UK, we've found that Sainsbury's is most reliable and it's only £1/L.
Jane Saunders
Oh wow Alison - sounds like you have a busy weekend ahead.
Thanks so much for your feedback - it means a lot. Also, I'm heading to Sainsbury's ASAP to stock up!
Jo
Although this is alcohol free (so not my usual choice) - looks a great alternative for those little people, non drinkers and designated drivers! Might even try it myself (what no wine?!!).
Jane Saunders
Thankyou Jo. I can barely believe it of you, to be honest. But do you know what, if you chill it, I think it would withstand a shot of vodka.