Spanish Hot Wine Recipe
From a cold remedy to a winter warm-up, this hot wine method is a classic elixir for success.
- 1 clementine (juiced)
- 4 strips lemon peel
- 4 strips clementine peel
- 6 heaping spoonfuls granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 vanilla bean (halved)
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1 shot rum or brandy (optional)
- Squeeze the clementine juice into a saucepan and add the sugar and citrus peels. Add the spices and bring the mixture to a boil, constantly stirring.
- As soon as it boils, add 1/2 cup of red wine. Allow it to simmer slowly until it is reduced to a caramel-like syrup.
- Add the rest of the bottle of wine, cover, and heat through. If you want, add an extra kick add a shot or rum or brandy. I added a shot of Brugal I'd been infusing with vanilla beans.
- Serve the drink as soon as the wine is heated through, and feel the warmth!
If you want some other Spanish drinks, you'll love these recipes for non-alcoholic sangria mocktail and this amazing rosé sangria. There's nothing like a piping hot glass of mulled wine to beat the cold on a bitter December evening.
This is basically the method for surviving the winter, dealing with homesickness, getting over a bad day… you name it! Hot wine isn't super popular in Spain (probably because in much of the country our winters are mild), but you do find it at winter fairs.
Excited to try this Spanish hot wine? Here's the key ingredients that you need to get kicked off!
- Red Wine: A nice, fruity red wine is a great choice for this recipe. Choose one that will blend nicely with the spices and citrus flavors.
- Sugar: This will sweeten the drink and bring out the flavors of the spices. - Vanilla Bean: This will bring a wonderful vanilla flavor without adding extract. - Rum or Brandy: Adding a splash of liqueur like these will add a little kick at the end!
Feel free to leave out if you prefer. See method card for full information on components and quantities.
How to Make Hot Wine
If you’d like to see the full elements and instructions, scroll to the bottom of the post for the printable method card.
- Squeeze the clementine juice into a saucepan, then add the citrus peels, vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and sugar. (image 1) - Bring to a simmer. (image 2)
- Add ½ cup of the red wine and simmer until the liquid has thickened into a caramel-like syrup. Add the remaining wine and heat through. (image 3)
- For a little extra boost, add a splash of rum or brandy. I used a shot of Brugal that I'd been infusing with vanilla beans. (image 4)
- Pour the hot wine into cups as soon as it's warm. (image 5) - Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy right away! (image 6)
Recipe FAQs
What is hot wine made of? This Spanish-style hot wine is made from a clementine, lemon peel, orange peel, sugar, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, nutmeg, and red wine.
The mixture is simmered until the wine is syrupy and the flavors are warm and cozy. Which wine is best for hot wine?
A red wine with a bright, fruity savor is a great choice for mulled wine. Choose one that goes well with the spices and fruit flavors that you'll be infusing into the wine.
Is mulled wine the same as hot wine? Mulled wine and hot wine are indeed the same thing; they're just called by different names.
Is hot wine still alcoholic? Hot wine has been heated, but it's not considered 'non-alcoholic' unless you boil it down. For an extra tipple, splash in a little liqueur like rum or brandy before serving.
Expert Tips
- Choose a bright, fruity red wine that will go nicely with the spices and citrus peels.
- Be careful not to boil the hot wine, unless you want it to be without alcohol!
