As the curtain of night falls and the milky moon appears to illuminate the sky, that familiar nighttime chill creeps up on the campground. You inch a little closer to the fire, and pull on some extra layers.
It’s mulled wine time.
While beer and whiskey are often go-to’s for campground libations, beer requires ice to stay drinkable and it’s not always fun to hold a cold one when the temperatures drop. As for whiskey, it can be a little harsh — especially if you want something to sip on for a long night around the flickering flames.
Mulled wine might be the perfect campground drink. You can buy the cheap wine (you’re throwing in plenty of flavor, it won’t matter!), use any leftover fruit from your day, and a mug full will keep you warm on chilly nights.
Remember to bring a pot and a wine bottle opener, and don’t let the mixture overheat or you’ll lose all the alcohol. Instead of placing the pot directly on the fire, set it on a stone near the flame, and keep a close eye on it.
The key to mulled wine is that there’s plenty of room to improvise. Add whatever spices or fruit you like best, or a little extra liquor for that little extra kick. (Is there a bottle or bourbon or brandy lying around? Throw a splash in there!)
These mulled wine recipes are best enjoyed while sitting on a log or your favorite camp chair, under a canopy of stars. We’ll let you decide which one suits your camping style best.
Mix it Up with Mulled Wine Recipes at Camp
These mulled wine recipes will warm you up around the campground — and they taste delicious!
Directions
These mulled wine recipes work well for 5-7 cups
- Combine every ingredient in a saucepan
- Let the mixture simmer, taking care to not let it boil
- Heat the mixture from 15 minutes to 3 hours
- Strain the spices and serve hot in your favorite campfire mug
- If you have leftovers (unlikely!) pour them into a sealable pitcher and reheat the next night!
1. Spiced Mulled Wine Recipes
We borrowed this recipe from Gimme Some Oven because it it brings in a merry mixture of different spices. Make this camp-friendly by combining your dry spices into a container before departing for your trip. This will keep preparation time low and eliminate the need to bring measuring spoons.
Ingredients
- 1 (750 ml) bottle of dry red wine
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 8 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 2-4 tablespoons sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste (or your desired sweetener)
Optional: ¼ cup of brandy (or favorite liqueur), citrus slices, extra cinnamon or star anise
2. Simple Apple Cider Mulled Wine
This concoction from Yummy Mummy Kitchen is a no-frills recipe without added sweeteners. If you’re already planning to bring fruit, this will keep things convenient and carefree. You should be able to find pressed spiced apple cider juice at your local grocery store.
Ingredients
1 (750ml) bottle of your favorite red wine
3 cups spiced apple cider (natural with no added sweeteners)
1 apple, sliced into rounds
1 orange, sliced into rounds
2 cinnamon sticks
3. Honey Mulled Wine Recipes
Honey lovers, this one is for you! This recipe is different than your average mulled wine blend. We found this gem at Simply Recipes and can’t wait to try it out. In this little liquid theater, honey takes the center stage while the spices are the supporting actors. This recipe calls for zinfandel or full-bodied robust red wine.
Ingredients
1 (750ml) bottle of red wine
¾ cup of water
¾ cup of honey
15 black peppercorns
3 inches of cinnamon stick for the wine
Thin peels of lemon zest for serving
Optional: extra cinnamon sticks
Enjoy your mulled wine responsibly, and don’t forget to review your campgrounds on The Dyrt!
