Wine Gifting? Try a Sutter Home Mulled Wine Kit!

This year, give a classic tradition a DIY twist. As the time for gathering with friends and family against the cool weather draws near, there’s nothing more comforting than a glass of warm mulled wine. Rich with fragrant spices and deep fruit flavors, Sutter Home Wines offers the perfect solution for a thoughtful gift that won’t break the bank: pairing a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon with a homemade mulled wine spice kit.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients for the Spice Kit:

• 8 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole star anise
• 1 tablespoon allspice berries
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 4 dried orange slices

Additional Ingredients for Mulling:

• 1 bottle of Sutter Home Cabernet Sauvignon
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

How to Make the Spice Kit

1. Prepare the Spices: In a medium-sized zip-top bag, combine the cinnamon sticks, star anise, allspice berries, cloves, cardamom seeds, and black peppercorns. Seal the bag and use a rolling pin to gently crush the spices into smaller chunks. The goal is to break them up just enough to release their flavors without grinding them to a powder.
2. Add Orange for Citrus Flavor: Chop the dried orange slices into small pieces and add them to the spice mix. The orange adds a subtle sweetness and a bright, citrusy note that balances beautifully with the spices and wine.
3. Assemble the Spice Bundles: Cut squares of cheesecloth (about 4×4 inches each) and place two tablespoons of the spice mixture into the center of each square. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth and secure it tightly with baker’s twine, creating a small spice bundle. Each bundle is perfectly sized to mull one bottle of Sutter Home Cabernet Sauvignon.
4. Gift Your Spice Kit: Pair your spice bundle with a bottle of Sutter Home Cabernet Sauvignon for a gift that’s ready to be enjoyed. You can even add a small note with instructions on how to mull the wine, so your recipient can easily bring the cozy, spiced flavor of mulled wine into their home.

How to Mull Wine with Your Spice Kit

Once you’ve assembled the spice kit, mulling wine is a breeze! Here’s how:

1. Pour one bottle of Sutter Home Cabernet Sauvignon and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar into a medium saucepan.
2. Add one spice bundle.
3. Simmer the wine over low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Remove the spice bundle, pour into mugs, and serve warm.

With a bottle of Sutter Home Cabernet Sauvignon and your handmade spice kit, you’re giving more than just a bottle of wine—you’re giving the gift of warm, inviting memories and comfort to any chilly evening. Enjoy the season, and happy mulling!