There’s something magical about cold winter evenings when the scent of spices and warm wine fills the air. This year, I invite you to make your celebrations extra special with a unique twist: Pomegranate Mulled Wine! Made with pomegranate wine from Armenia – in a beautiful bottle shaped like a pomegranate – this mulled wine is unforgettable in both taste and appearance. Perfect for Shab-e Yalda or any outdoor Christmas gathering. Let’s dive into this flavorful experience together!

Watch my preparation video on Instagram

POMEGRANATE MULLED WINE

The first time I made this Pomegranate Mulled Wine was for an outdoor Shab-e Yalda celebration. Surrounded by friends and family, wrapped in warm blankets, and with the scent of spices filling the crisp air – it was truly unforgettable. We sat around a crackling fire, sharing stories, laughing, and soaking in the joy of togetherness. It’s these moments – the laughter, the warm drinks, the shared conversations – that stay with us. And this Pomegranate Mulled Wine was a part of it, a comforting companion on the coldest yet most magical night of the year.

HOW DOES POMEGRANATE MULLED WINE TASTE?

The pomegranate wine was the star of the evening: its ruby-red color and the vibrant pomegranate seeds in the glasses were a true showstopper. And the taste? Simply amazing! The sweet, fruity notes of the pomegranate wine, perfectly balanced with the warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, made it a delightful treat that warmed both heart and soul. The gentle tanginess of the pomegranate added a refreshing lightness, while the wine’s natural sweetness and a hint of vanilla created a smooth and full-bodied flavor. Every sip felt like a warm hug, making you forget the cold night and fully embrace the magic of the moment.

POMEGRANATE MULLED WINE – LESS SUGAR, MORE FLAVOR

Traditional mulled wine recipes often call for a lot of sugar, sometimes up to 150 grams. But as you might expect from me, I’ve kept it lighter with just 50 grams – and it’s absolutely enough! The natural sweetness of the pomegranate wine shines through beautifully without making the mulled wine overly sweet. This reduced sugar approach highlights the flavors of the fruits and spices even more. The result? A balanced, harmonious mulled wine that adds a special touch to your evening and warms your heart with every sip.

WHY POMEGRANATE WINE?

Pomegranate wine* is truly special. It boasts a natural fruity sweetness, a subtle tang, and showcases the vibrant flavors of pomegranates at their finest. Beyond its exquisite taste, the pomegranate symbolizes fertility and prosperity, making it a meaningful addition to any festive table. The Armenian version, presented in its elegant, pomegranate-shaped bottle, doubles as a perfect gift or host offering – a true tribute to the art of celebration.

MY TIP FOR THE PERFECT SPICE MIX

The magic of mulled wine lies in the spices. In my blend, I use:

• 4 cinnamon sticks or cassia bark for a warming, cozy touch.
• Dried vanilla bean, adds a sweet, elegant finish.
• Star anise, bringing subtle licorice-like notes.
• Cloves, for that classic Christmas flavor.
• Cardamom, adding depth with its exotic aroma.

These spices gently release their flavors into the wine, creating a sensory experience that delights both the nose and the palate!

TIPS FOR YOUR YALDA CELEBRATION

• Decoration: Place the Armenian pomegranate wine bottle at the center of your table – it’s a true conversation starter.
• Alternatives: Don’t have pomegranate wine? A good red wine with a splash of pomegranate juice works wonderfully too.
• Music: Set the mood with a Yalda playlist featuring Persian classics and modern tunes, or go for a festive holiday market vibe with your favorite songs.

THE PERFECT TREAT FOR SHAB-E YALDA OR CHRISTMAS

This pomegranate mulled wine brings together everything that makes Shab-e Yalda and Christmas so special: togetherness, warming aromas, and festive colors. Try out the recipe and let the combination of tradition and flavor enchant you. I can’t wait to see your creations – tag me on Instagram and let’s share the joy of the season! Stay on the website, explore more recipes and ideas for your celebration – Shab-e Yalda is waiting to be celebrated!

INGREDIENTS FOR POMEGRANATE MULLED WINE

MAIN INGREDIENTS

1 bottle of pomegranate wine*

2 oranges (zest and juice from 1, the other sliced into rounds)

1 apple, sliced

50 g brown sugar

INGREDIENTS SPICE MIX

4 cinnamon sticks (or cassia bark)

1 vanilla bean

3 star anise, whole

6 cloves, whole

3 cardamom pods

INGREDIENTS TOPPING

A handful of pomegranate seeds

1 vanilla bean (from the mulled wine)

3 cinnamon sticks (from the mulled wine)

Orange or apple slices (from the mulled wine)

PREPARATION OF POMEGRANATE MULLED WINE

HEAT THE BASE

In a large, heavy pot over medium heat, combine the pomegranate wine, orange juice, and brown sugar. Warm the mixture slowly, stirring to dissolve the sugar completely. Do not let it boil, as the alcohol evaporates.

ADD THE SPICES

Add the spices, orange zest, orange slices, and sliced apple to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let the mulled wine simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have time, to allow the flavors to meld.

STRAIN THE MULLED WINDE

Strain the wine through a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices and fruit pieces.

SERVE AND GARNISH

Pour the mulled wine into mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish with extra orange slices and pomegranate seeds. For an elegant touch, use the cinnamon stick, vanilla beans, or orange and apple slices from the pot as decorative elements.

TIPP

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this comforting, aromatic drink!

BEFARMAYID!

Susan

The items marked with * are affiliate links, referral links. If you buy through this link, I get a small commission. The price stays the same for you and you can easily support my efforts. A big thank you ♥

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Have you cooked this or maybe another delicious recipe of mine? Feel free to leave me a comment below. If you tag your picture on Instagram with @labsalliebe and use the hashtag #labsalliebe, I won’t miss a post and will be happy to leave you a comment as well. Can’t wait to see your creations.

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