Tart Cherry Mulled Drink is the ultimate winter warming beverage that combines the rich flavors of tart cherries with cozy spices. This delightful drink is not only a festive treat but also a healthy choice packed with antioxidants. As the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like a steaming cup of this delicious concoction to lift your spirits. Perfect for gatherings or quiet nights by the fire, let’s dive into this easy recipe that promises to deliver warmth and comfort with every sip.

Why You’ll Love This Tart Cherry Mulled Drink

This tart cherry beverage is a must-try for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, taking only about 20 minutes from start to finish. With its unique blend of spices, it’s a mulled cherry drink that brings warmth on the coldest of winter nights. Additionally, it’s a great way to incorporate the benefits of tart cherries into your diet, including improved sleep quality and anti-inflammatory properties. Ideal for holiday gatherings, it’s a festive tart cherry warm beverage that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Tart Cherry Mulled Drink

Gather these items:

• 1 quart tart cherry juice (not concentrate)
• 2 tablespoons orange peel (from ~1/2 orange)
• 2 whole cinnamon sticks
• 5 whole cloves
• 2 whole star anise
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from ~1 orange)
• Optional: 3 oz whiskey or spiced rum (1 oz per serving)

How to Make Tart Cherry Mulled Drink Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Add tart cherry juice, orange peel, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange juice to a large saucepan.
2. Step 2: Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer.
5. Step 5: If desired, stir in whiskey or spiced rum.
6. Step 6: Serve warm with optional garnishes like orange slices or cinnamon sticks.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Tart Cherry Mulled Drink

Keep these in mind:

• For the best flavor, use fresh tart cherry juice rather than concentrate.
• Allow the drink to simmer longer for a more intense flavor profile.
• Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract for a unique twist.

Best Ways to Serve Tart Cherry Mulled Drink

There are several delightful ways to enjoy this drink. Serve it in festive mugs during your holiday gatherings for a warm tart cherry cocktail. You can also pair it with sweet treats like gingerbread cookies or spiced cakes for a cozy dessert experience. Another option is to create a hot tart cherry punch for larger gatherings by doubling the recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Tart Cherry Mulled Drink

For any leftovers, simply let the drink cool and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stovetop, ensuring not to bring it to a boil. This makes it perfect for meal prep and enjoying throughout the week!

Frequently Asked Questions About Tart Cherry Mulled Drink

What’s the secret to perfect Tart Cherry Mulled Drink?

The secret lies in the quality of the tart cherry juice and allowing the spices to infuse properly during the simmering process. This ensures a rich flavor that can elevate the drink experience immensely.

Can I make Tart Cherry Mulled Drink ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the drink ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. This makes it an excellent choice for parties or gatherings, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Tart Cherry Mulled Drink?

One common mistake is not letting the drink simmer long enough, which can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Ensure you allow enough time for the spices to meld with the tart cherry juice for the best result.

Variations of Tart Cherry Mulled Drink You Can Try

If you’re looking to mix things up, try adding a splash of cranberry juice for a delightful twist, or make a tart cherry spiced tea by infusing it with your favorite tea bags. You can also create a spiced tart cherry cider using apple cider instead of tart cherry juice for a different flavor profile. Each variation maintains the cozy essence of this warm drink while offering something unique.

For more information on the health benefits of tart cherries, check out this study on tart cherries. If you’re interested in other cozy drinks, consider trying this Blood Orange Mimosa recipe. Additionally, you can explore Cinnamon Orange Jam Linzer Cookies for a sweet pairing.

Tart Cherry Mulled Drink: 5 Cozy Ingredients for Winter

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A warming, non-alcoholic tart cherry mulled wine made with 5 simple ingredients. This festive holiday drink is full of antioxidants and cozy spices, perfect for gatherings or quiet nights by the fire.

• Author: Robert
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 quart tart cherry juice (not concentrate)
• 2 tablespoons orange peel (from ~1/2 orange)
• 2 whole cinnamon sticks
• 5 whole cloves
• 2 whole star anise
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from ~1 orange)
• Optional: 3 oz whiskey or spiced rum (1 oz per serving)

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Instructions

1. Add tart cherry juice, orange peel, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange juice to a large saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
4. Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer.
5. If desired, stir in whiskey or spiced rum.
6. Serve warm with optional garnishes like orange slices or cinnamon sticks.

Notes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg