Mulled Wine Homemade Ice Cream Recipe

Last Updated on December 14, 2024 by Cherie

Discover the festive magic of mulled wine ice cream, a luxurious holiday treat that blends warming spices, rich red wine, and creamy decadence. Perfect for winter gatherings or a unique holiday dessert twist!

The smell of mulled wine always transports me to Bonfire Night, or a chilly winters event. The crisp evening air carries the scents of smoking wood, roasting chestnuts, and something unmistakably warm and spiced wafting from a nearby stall. It’s a fragrance synonymous with festive winter celebrations—a comforting blend of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus that is very familiar.

The magic of mulled wine lies in its perfect blend of herbs and spices. Cinnamon sticks and star anise provide depth and sweetness, while cloves, nutmeg, and allspice add sharp, earthy notes.

Citrus zest and juice—usually orange—brighten the flavour, creating a balance of warmth and tang. These ingredients, simmered with red wine, release a fragrance that evokes fireside gatherings, twinkling lights, and the hum of holiday cheer.

It’s more than a drink; it’s a sensory experience rooted in tradition.

Translating the cosy warmth of mulled wine into a frozen ice cream dessert feels like capturing the essence of the season in an unexpected, delicious form. Whether you’ve sipped mulled wine at a Christmas market or enjoyed its aroma at a family gathering, you’ll find those same evocative flavours here, but with a frozen, creamy twist.

Click on the following link to go straight to the recipe and step-by-step guide, or read along to find out more about this delicious homemade ice cream.

What is Mulled Wine?

Mulled wine, a centuries-old winter staple, is a spiced and sweetened red wine enjoyed warm during festive seasons. Commonly infused with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus, it evokes the warmth and cosiness of holiday celebrations.

This beloved drink has roots in European traditions, from German Glühwein to Scandinavian Glögg, and is often served at Christmas markets or by the fireside on frosty nights.

A Frosty Take on a Traditional Favourite – Mulled Wine Homemade Ice Cream

Why Mulled Wine Ice Cream Works

Imagine transforming the comforting, spiced flavours of mulled wine into a cool, creamy dessert.

Mulled wine ice cream balances the vibrant tang of wine reduction with the smoothness of custard, delivering the essence of holiday cheer in every delicious scoop. This dessert is ideal for festive gatherings, providing a refreshing alternative to warm desserts while retaining the seasonal spirit.

Its unique appeal also makes it a thoughtful homemade gift or an exciting addition to your festive holiday table.

Mulled Wine Homemade Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500ml red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot for boldness)
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 1-2 star anise pods
• 4-5 cloves
• Zest of 1 orange (or juice for added brightness)
• 150g caster sugar (adjust to taste based on the wine’s sweetness)
• 500ml double cream
• 250ml whole milk
• 6 large egg yolks

Method:

Some recipes reduce mulled wine to a syrup, concentrating the flavour while controlling sugar. Others, freeze mulled wine and blend it with yoghurt or crème fraîche for a simpler sorbet-style version. While others suggest folding a spiced wine reduction into softened vanilla ice cream for ease. There are many variations you can try.

Below we’ve listed our step-by-step guidance:

1. Prepare the Mulled Wine Base:
   • Pour the red wine into a medium saucepan and add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and orange zest.
   • Heat gently over a medium heat until it simmers, allowing the spices to infuse the wine.
   • Reduce the wine mixture until it thickens and you are left with approximately 125ml of wine syrup. Strain out the spices and zest, then leave to cool completely.
2. Make the Custard Base:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 100g of the caster sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
   • In a clean saucepan, combine the double cream, milk, and the remaining 50g of sugar. Heat over a medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
3. Temper the Eggs:
   • Gradually pour a small amount of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
   • Slowly add the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream and milk.
4. Cook the Custard:
   • Cook the mixture over a low to medium heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula, until it thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (approximately 75–80°C).
   • Remove from the heat and stir in the cooled mulled wine syrup.
5. Chill the Mixture:
   • Strain the custard through a fine sieve into a clean bowl to remove any solids. Stir in a pinch of salt for balance.
   • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, until completely chilled.
6. Churn the Ice Cream:
   • Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
   • Transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Scoop the ice cream into bowls or serve on cones. Garnish with a sprinkle of orange zest or a dusting of ground cinnamon for a festive touch.

Note: If you do not have an ice cream maker, you can still make this ice cream. Pour the mixture into a lidded, freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, remove from the freezer and stir vigorously with a fork or whisk to break up ice crystals. Repeat this process for 2–3 hours until the ice cream is smooth and creamy. For more information and further hints and tips, please head on over to our article – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker

Technique Tips

• Balance the Sugar: Over-sweetening can dull the wine’s acidity, while too little sugar affects freezing consistency. Adjust sugar based on the wine used.
• Achieve Creaminess: Use egg yolks for a custard-based ice cream or incorporate stabilisers like cornstarch for a lighter version.
• Use the Right Tools: Ice cream makers provide the best texture, but no-churn methods work well with patience and frequent mixing.

Creative Twists

• Dessert Pairings: Serve with spiced apple compote, roasted pears, or gingerbread for complementary flavours.
• Garnishes: Top with candied orange peel, mint leaves, or a drizzle of dark chocolate for elegance.
• Serving Ideas: Try mulled wine ice cream sandwiches with spiced shortbread or layer it in a trifle with holiday cakes and fruit.

The Final Scoop

Mulled wine ice cream is a bold, festive, and creative dessert that captures the joy of the holiday season. Whether you’re experimenting with your favourite spices or serving it alongside classic holiday treats, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Try this recipe, customise it with your favourite flavours, and share your creation with friends and family for a truly special winter treat.

We hope that you have enjoyed our article – Mulled Wine Homemade Ice Cream Recipe – and we especially hope that we have inspired you to give this recipe a go. If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below and we will be happy to get back to you.

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