Mulled Holiday Tea Recipe π΅π
Overview:
Mulled Holiday Tea is a delightful beverage that adds a touch of elegance and warmth to any gathering, whether it’s a festive Christmas party or a cozy Thanksgiving dinner. This recipe, inspired by Better Homes and Gardens, combines the rich flavors of red wine, aromatic spices, and comforting tea to create a drink that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of this mulled tea to impress your guests and elevate your holiday spread.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 7 bags | Boiling water |
| 4 cups | Dry red wine |
| 4 tbsp | Brown sugar |
| 2 sticks | Cinnamon sticks |
| 1/2 tsp | Whole cloves |
| 3 pods | Cardamom seed |
| 1 cup | Apple juice |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 109.3
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 9.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 20.1g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Sugar: 18.1g
- Protein: 0.2g
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tea Mixture:
- Place the tea bags in a 4-quart Dutch oven.
- Pour the boiling water over the tea bags.
- Allow the tea to steep for about 5 minutes to infuse its flavors fully.
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Add Flavorful Ingredients:
- Once steeped, remove the tea bags from the Dutch oven and discard them.
- Stir in the apple juice, dry red wine, and brown sugar, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors.
-
Create a Spice Bag:
- Take a double-thick 6-inch square piece of 100% cotton cheesecloth.
- Place the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and cardamom seeds in the center of the cloth.
- Bring the corners of the cloth together and tie them securely with a clean string, forming a spice bag.
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Infuse the Tea with Spices:
- Add the prepared spice bag to the tea mixture in the Dutch oven.
- Bring the mixture to just below boiling point, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
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Simmer and Infuse Flavors:
- Cover the Dutch oven and allow the tea to simmer gently for approximately 10 minutes.
- This slow simmer allows the spices to release their aromatic oils and infuse the tea with their warm, comforting flavors.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once simmered, discard the spice bag from the tea mixture.
- Transfer the mulled holiday tea to a heatproof serving carafe or pot, ready to be served to your eager guests.
- Garnish with additional cinnamon sticks or orange slices if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the cozy warmth and festive flavors of this delightful holiday beverage.
Serving Suggestions:
Mulled Holiday Tea pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday treats, from traditional Christmas cookies to savory Thanksgiving appetizers. Serve it alongside a spread of festive snacks and desserts to create a memorable and inviting holiday gathering for friends and family. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider offering whipped cream or cinnamon sticks for guests to customize their drinks to their liking.
Tips:
- Be sure to use 100% cotton cheesecloth when making the spice bag to prevent any unwanted flavors from leaching into the tea.
- Adjust the sweetness of the mulled tea to your preference by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the red wine and increase the amount of apple juice or substitute with cranberry juice for a festive twist.
- Keep the mulled tea warm throughout your event by serving it in a heatproof carafe or using a slow cooker set on the “warm” setting.
- Experiment with different combinations of spices, such as star anise or nutmeg, to customize the flavor profile of your mulled holiday tea according to your taste preferences.
With its aromatic spices, warming flavors, and vibrant colors, Mulled Holiday Tea is sure to become a beloved addition to your holiday traditions, bringing joy and cheer to all who gather around the table. Enjoy the magic of the season with every sip of this delightful beverage! ππ
