Make Your Own Florida Orange Mulled Wine or Cider: Warm Holiday Drinks with a Citrus Twist

There’s nothing quite like the cozy feeling of sipping warm, spiced beverages during the holiday season. This year, elevate your Christmas gatherings with a delicious citrus twist by making your own Florida orange mulled wine or mulled cider. Using fresh Florida orange slices, zest, and juice, these classic holiday drinks gain a bright, refreshing flavor that perfectly complements traditional warming spices.

Why Florida Oranges?

Florida oranges are prized for their natural sweetness and vibrant flavor — a result of the state’s sunny climate and rich soil. When infused into mulled wine or cider, their juicy zest and bright aroma add depth and brightness that elevate these comforting beverages to something truly special.

Recipe 1: Florida Orange Mulled Wine

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)

• 1 large Florida orange (sliced)

• 1/4 cup Florida orange juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

• 3 cinnamon sticks

• 5 whole cloves

• 3 star anise pods

• 1 teaspoon whole allspice

• 1 vanilla bean, split (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the red wine, orange slices, and freshly squeezed orange juice.

2. Add honey or maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, allspice, and vanilla bean.

3. Heat gently over low to medium heat — do not boil, as that can reduce the alcohol content and affect flavor.

4. Let simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.

5. Strain before serving to remove spices and orange slices. Garnish with a fresh orange slice or cinnamon stick.

Recipe 2: Florida Orange Mulled Cider

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon apple cider

• 1 large Florida orange (sliced and zested)

• 1/4 cup Florida orange juice

• 1/2 cup brown sugar or honey

• 4 cinnamon sticks

• 6 whole cloves

• 2 star anise pods

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (sliced)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the apple cider, orange slices and zest, and orange juice.

2. Add brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and ginger slices.

3. Warm on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until infused and aromatic.

4. Strain and serve warm in mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange peel twist.

Tips for the Perfect Citrus Mulled Drink

• Use fresh, ripe Florida oranges from floridaorange.com for the best flavor.

• Avoid boiling your mulled wine or cider to preserve delicate citrus oils and alcohol content.

• Adjust sweetness and spice to your taste by adding more honey or spices as desired.

• For a non-alcoholic version, mull just the cider with the same spices and citrus.

Celebrate the Season with Florida Oranges

Warm your guests with a mug of mulled wine or cider that captures the festive spirit with the bright, natural sweetness of Florida oranges. Perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights by the fire, or a Christmas brunch, these drinks offer comfort with a citrusy kick.

Order fresh Florida oranges today at floridaorange.com and bring the taste of sunshine to your holiday celebrations.

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