HOMEMADE CROATIAN-STYLE MULLED RED WINE LIQUEUR

I absolutely adore this liqueur! I discovered it a few years ago in Croatia, but only this year did I get my hands on the recipe. During a two-day stay in Varaždin, our host left a bottle of this homemade liqueur—made by her mother—on the table. After gathering courage with a few shots, I asked for the recipe. Now, this Christmas, I plan to thank them and share how delicious my version turned out. I carefully selected ingredients: 2013 Teran Croatian red wine, 5-year aged Angostura rum, and organic lemon.

Now Christmas can truly come!

🕒 Prep & Cook Time: 40 min + resting

🍽️ Servings: approx. 6-8

Ingredients

750 ml dry red wine
300-350 g sugar
1/2 vanilla pod (or 1 packet bourbon vanilla sugar)
Peel of 1 small lemon (approx. 7 long strips, peeled lengthwise)
275 ml dark rum (40% alcohol)

Instructions

In a saucepan, combine red wine, vanilla pod, half of the lemon peel, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Remove from heat, add the remaining lemon peel, and cover. Let cool completely.
Remove lemon peel and stir in the dark rum.
Pour the mixture into a bottle and let it rest in a cool place for 2 days to develop flavors.
Serve chilled or at room temperature during festive occasions.

📝 Final Thoughts

This Croatian-style mulled red wine liqueur is a warming, aromatic treat blending robust wine, fragrant vanilla, citrus brightness, and rich aged rum. Perfect for holiday celebrations, it’s a beautifully crafted drink that invites sharing and cherished memories.