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”

A cozy, non-alcoholic mulled wine alternative that captures the festive flavors of Christmas, while being blood sugar–friendly.

Course Drinks

Cuisine European

Keyword Christimas

Cook Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings 4 cups

Calories 10kcal

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.