Mulled “Wine” Virgin Cocktail {Refined Sugar Free}

 Close your eyes. It’s 30C degrees (86F), the sun is high in the sky and so hot you can’t stay outside for too long without burning your skin. No clouds, just a beautiful blue sky. Now, can you image yourself drinking a hot mulled wine in your comfy winter PJs? Yeah, that’s what I thought. Even though I would love a glass, this is just not going to happen in Australia at the moment. I’m already sweating enough at the gym, thank you! So, what to do with this winter classic? You summerize it! As in, you turn it into a summer drink. Get it?

Now, I know most of you are currently freezing. If you’re lucky, it’s even snowing. And summer? You’ve forgotten about it. BUT I would like to say this to you: this is not a good excuse not to try this mulled wine virgin cocktail. I eat ice-cream in the middle of winter! Honestly, this cocktail is so good it would be a shame not to share it with your friends and family over the holidays. I’ve served it for brunch this Sunday and everybody love it! There’s no wine but red grape juice instead, and yet this cocktail has all the flavor you love in a mulled wine. It’s sweet, spicy and comforting! Oh and did I mention it’s super easy too?

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Mulled "Wine" Virgin Cocktail {Refined Sugar Free}

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Chilling time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings 8 glasses

Calories 142 kcal

Ingredients

• 2 liters - 4 pints - 8 cups red grape juice choose a brand without added sugar
• 4 strips orange rind
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 12 cloves
• 3 fresh bay leaves + more for serving
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme + more for serving
• 1 small orange thinly sliced
• + ice

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients except orange slices and ice in a large saucepan. Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes (do not boil). Cool and refrigerate about 1 hour or until cold (keeping solids to infuse)
2. Strain mixture into large jug and discard solids. Add orange slices, extra bay leaves and thyme and serve over ice.

Recipe Notes

Adapted from the Christmas Cooking with the Weekly cookbook from the Women's Weekly Magasine

Nutrition Facts

Mulled "Wine" Virgin Cocktail {Refined Sugar Free}

Amount Per Serving (1 glass)

Calories 142

% Daily Value*

Sodium 6mg 0%

Potassium 434mg 12%

Total Carbohydrates 34g 11%

Dietary Fiber 1g 4%

Sugars 33g

Protein 1g 2%

Vitamin A 1.3%

Vitamin C 92.6%

Calcium 3.7%

Iron 6.4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.