Camping Drinks: Stove-top Mulled Wine Recipe | Boutique Camping

christmas mulled wine on stove top in cabin

Stove-top mulled wine recipe: The ideal winter camping drink

Glühwein, glögg, bisschopswijn, vino caliente…whatever you call it, you can’t beat a glass of hot mulled wine. While this cosy classic is often associated with the Christmas season, it can be enjoyed whenever the temperatures drop, making it the perfect camping drink for those frosty nights under canvas.

We were lucky enough to enjoy just such an adventure recently, thanks to The Lazy T, a luxurious glamping retreat in the North York Moors National Park. Nestled in the stunning scenery of the North Yorkshire Downs, their cosy cabins are the ideal place to kick back with a glass of stove-mulled wine.

With Christmas fast approaching, we thought we’d kickstart the giving season by sharing the recipe we used with you. Read on to find out how we made it, plus a few fun twists on the classic recipe that will take your mulled wine to the next level! 

Our mulled wine recipe – the perfect camping cocktail

christmas mulled wine on stove top in cabin

Aromatic, warming, and just a little boozy, this mulled wine is the ideal winter camping drink. And, not only is it delicious, but it’s also super easy to make, especially when using one of our wood-burning tent stoves.

This recipe makes 4–5 glasses. If you’re camping with a large group, simply double — or even triple — the ingredients.

Ingredients

  • One 750ml bottle of red wine. You can use any red, but fruity and medium-bodied varieties work best.
  • Three tablespoons of sugar. If you have a sweet tooth, up this to four tablespoons.
  • 8 cloves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 1 orange, sliced. Top tip: If you’re using fresh orange slices, trim the rind for a sweeter mulled wine. Or, leave it on for a slightly bittersweet flavour.
  • A dash of lemon juice
  • Half a teaspoon of grated nutmeg
  • Garnishes. Cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or anything else you like. We went with classic dried orange slices.
  • Optional spirits. Three single measures of brandy, rum, or whiskey, if you like your mulled wine on the boozy side.

Pro tip: You can prep your fresh ingredients and spices at home, then bundle them in a cheesecloth bag tied with string to save time on your trip. You also won’t need to bring a strainer — when the mulled wine is done, simply remove the bag. 

Equipment

  • A stove and firewood. Our wood-burning stove is ideal for this. Not only does it provide an effective heat source that will keep you toasty all night long, but it also offers a source of light and a romantic centrepiece for your campsite. It’s even eco-friendly!
  • A large saucepan.
  • A wooden spoon.
  • A ladle.
  • A fine strainer.
  • Heatproof glasses or camping mugs to serve.

Method

christmas mulled wine on stove top in cabin

  1. Place your pan on the stove and combine the wine, orange slices, cloves, star anise, cinnamon, and sugar. You can also add the extra spirits at this point, if you’re using them.
  2. Simmer the mixture gently for at least ten minutes, stirring occasionally. Don’t let it boil, unless you want to burn off the alcohol content.
  3. Take the pan off the stove and leave it to stand for a few minutes to cool down.
  4. Using a ladle, pour a small amount into a heatproof glass.
  5. Taste the wine and add more sugar if preferred.
  6. Once it’s perfect, use the strainer to remove the mulling ingredients.
  7. Ladle the mulled wine into glasses and add your garnishes. Enjoy!

3 fun twists for next-level mulled wine

christmas mulled wine on stove top in cabin

We think that mulled wine is pretty much the perfect winter camping drink. But, if you really want to push the boat out on your next trip, try one of these fun spins on the classic recipe.

White wine

Not a fan of red? Swap the vino tinto for blanco to create a warming yet mellow white mulled wine, inspired by Spanish cava sangria.

Cranberry

Cranberry flavours are a festive staple, so why not add a handful of fresh cranberries as a garnish? They pair especially well with a sprig of rosemary.

Spiced apple

Combine two Christmas classics by adding some apple cider to your mulled wine. Substitute 200ml of red wine for 200ml of apple cider to create a slightly lighter, sweeter mulled beverage.

christmas mulled wine on stove top in cabin

Note: please drink responsibly. Visit DrinkAware for more information about safe drinking.

If you’re planning a wintry camping trip soon, be sure to shop our full range of luxurious bell tents and yurts. When combined with a portable wood burner, an inner tent, and a comfy airbed, you’ll be warm and toasty all night long.  

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