If you’re not drinking alcohol but still crave that cozy vibe of mulled wine and Christmas time — I’ve got you.

I limit myself to 1 glasses of wine a day, and no more than 1–2 glasses a week. Not exactly enough to indulge in glühwein season. So I had came up with a non-alcoholic version that’s very close in flavor to the real thing, but at the same time is completely safe for blood sugar.

I never drink juice, there’s way too much sugar for me, so using grape or cranberry juice as a base, as in many popular recipes, wasn’t an option.

And I found the answer in Hibiscus.

I know hibiscus (aka karkade) isn’t everyone’s favorite herb, but trust me — it shines here. It’s deep red, tangy without tannins, and plays beautifully with warm spices. The result is rich, complex, and warming — just like mulled wine, but lighter and healthier.

Recipe

Spiced Hibiscus “Mulled Wine”

If you're not drinking alcohol but still crave that cozy vibe of mulled wine and Christmas time — I’ve got you. I had came up with a non-alcoholic version that’s very close in flavor to the real thing, but at the same time is completely safe for blood sugar.

Course Drinks

Cook Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings 4 cups

Ingredients

3 tbsp Hibiscus Tea
½ Orange sliced
½ Apple sliced
1 Cinnamon Stick
4–5 Cardamom Pods
3-4 Cloves
2 tbsp Frozen Cranberries
2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a teapot.
Pour in boiling water (about 1 liter) and let steep for 4–5 minutes, until the fruit and spices fully infuse.
Taste before sweetening — I find the apple and cinnamon bring enough natural sweetness.
If you like it sweeter and it’s okay for your diet, feel free to stir in a little honey or sweetener of your preference.