Non-Alcoholic Red Mulled Wine – Immunity Booster

Why you will like this non-alcoholic red mulled wine

This sugar-free and alcohol-free mulled wine is earthy and naturally sweet from the fruits. While it doesn’t contain grapes, the blend of ingredients resembles the richness of grape-based drinks. I’d say it tastes even deeper than grape.

Like natural red wine, this non-alcoholic red mulled wine is rich in antioxidants. It might be richer due to the fresh ingredients. The base of the drink is made from a freshly blended red juice that is naturally rich in Vitamins, Minerals, and Polyphenols, contributing to many health benefits.

✏️Polyphenols–Healthy compounds found in plants that offer antioxidant benefits.

✏️ Antioxidant –Natural substances that help protect cells from damage, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

I have served this non-alcoholic red mulled wine to my friends who started to quit alcohol, and they loved it. In fact, they did not believe there was no added sugar.

If you are looking for a substitute for non-alcoholic Christmas drinks that are family-friendly, kid-friendly, pregnancy-safe holiday drinks, you will love this recipe. It’s perfect for gathering to give options for those who can’t or choose not to drink.

What’s in this Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine

This healthy, non-alcoholic mulled red wine combines 2 winter’s best produce, pomegranate and beetroot.

I use the classic combination of mulled spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and sliced fresh orange. You can also use the spice combo in a tea bag from M&S.

I have never tried it because I have always had it handy in my pantry. P/s Perks of growing up with spicy foods.

Why make it?

As someone with an autoimmune disease, I understand how frustrating it can be to refuse mulled wine, especially at this time of the year. I personally think it’s the best holiday drink ever created.

Whether you’re pregnant or serving pregnant guests or kids or can’t drink alcohol due to health reasons, this simple recipe will get your holiday drink craving sorted.

More reason to like this Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine

Red beetroot and pomegranate juice offer vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant properties.

• Good for heart and brain health – Beetroot contains a great amount of manganese.
• May be beneficial for pregnant women as beetroots and pomegranate are high in Vitamin B folic acid.
• Good for skin – Pomegranate and Beetroot are high in Vitamin C and antioxidant properties. They are a good source of fiber that is beneficial for the digestive system.
• Pomegranate and beetroot are both rich in Potassium
• Red beet juice, both cooked and raw, is shown to reduce blood pressure.
• Red beetroot contains strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.
• Dietary nitrate from beetroot was reported to decrease blood pressure levels.
• Pomegranate juice is beneficial for brain function.
• Some studies show that pomegranate extract might be beneficial for the prevention of kidney stones.

Ingredients to make Zero-Alcohol Red Mulled Wine

• 500g Beetroot / 2 pieces medium size

• 500g Pomegranate / 2 pieces Medium – Big size

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 star anise

• 5 cloves

• 1 orange – sliced

How to make Non-Alcohol Red Mulled Wine

1. Wash the beetroots, peel the skin, and cut it into smaller pieces. Deseed the pomegranates (See tips below on how to deseed the pomegranate easily)
   
   
   
2. Juice or blend the beetroot and pomegranate in a juicer or blender. If you use a blender, strain the juice using a strainer.
   
   
   
3. In a medium pot, combine beetroot and pomegranate juice, sliced orange, and spices. Simmer over medium to low heat for about 20 minutes.
   While at it, gently press the orange with a ladle to release the juice.
   
   
   
4. Turn off the heat and strain all other ingredients when transferring the liquid into a jar or glass.

If you want it to be more concentrated, don’t strain the spices ingredients immediately, but let it stay for 1 or 2 hours at room temperature after the simmer.

Once you are ready to serve, reheat it and strain the solid ingredient before transferring it into a jar or mug.

Other red fruit ingredients with strong anti-inflammatory properties you can use as a base are blueberries, blackcurrants, raspberries, and cherries.

Useful tips

• Do not wear white while handling and juicing the red ingredients.
• If you like a milder spice flavor, consider reducing the amount by 50%.
• If you don’t feel like throwing out the waste from the beetroot, here’s a couple of things you can do with it:
  
  • Mix it in yogurt – you will make a delicious beetroot-flavored yogurt for dipping sauce. And it’s pretty in pink!
  • Press it into an ice cube mold and freeze. Whenever you need a red natural coloring for foods, dissolve it in water and strain the fiber out.
  • Dry it in a dehydrator and vacuum seal it. I would put it in a freezer, it can stay for many months!

How to deseed pomegranate easily

1. Using a knife, scar around the crown of the pomegranate, making a square shape.
2. Remove the crown part to ensure you can see the white flesh on the inner skin.
3. Guided by the segment from the white flesh, slightly cut it halfway to the bottom.
4. Break open the pomegranate halfway through, the bottom should hold it intact.
5. Prepare a bowl of water. Hold the pomegranate upside down with your finger wide open and smack it with a wooden or iron spatula until all the seeds fall into the water.
6. Some arils might remain on the skin, so you might need to pick out the remaining ones.
7. Using a strainer, fish out the floating white flesh.
8. Drain the water, and it’s ready.

Other spices to add to mulled wine

• Cardamom – Lightly crush 3 pods of cardamom with the surface of the knife to open the pod before adding it to the pot. This helps to release the flavor better.

• Nutmeg – Whole – Freshly grate a whole nutmeg into the mix for the best flavor. You can also use ground nutmeg. Consider adding 1/4 of a teaspoon of ground nutmeg for some nutty flavor.

• Fresh ginger / dried ginger – Add a slice or two for extra warmness and a little tingling sensation.

• Dried Juniper Berries – Do not serve this if you are pregnant or have pregnant guests, as it is not a pregnancy-safe ingredient.

• Saffron – Add a teaspoon of saffron powder or 2 tbsp of saffron water. Check my post to see how to prep the saffron water.

🥣 Did you try this recipe? Let me know your thoughts in the comment below.