Meghan Markle Criticized for ‘Mulled Water’ Recipe

Meghan Markle has recently faced ridicule for another culinary misstep after sharing a recipe for what she calls “mulled water.”

In a clip posted on Instagram, the Duchess of Sussex, aged 44, demonstrated how she uses the $16 Spiced Cider Mulling Spice Kit from her lifestyle brand, As Ever, to create a warm beverage that she claims everyone can enjoy.

During the video, Markle explained her process of bringing a large pot of water to a boil, removing it from the heat, and then adding her spice kit to steep.

After ladling the concoction into glasses, she garnished the drinks with cinnamon sticks, lemon slices, and a teaspoon of her brand’s $28 honey to enhance the flavors.

A Cozy Drink or a Confusing Recipe?

Markle suggested that home cooks could add a spirit of their choice to make the drink more sophisticated, but she emphasized that it is “the most soothing” without any alcohol, especially during cold weather.

However, fans were puzzled by her recipe and accused her of merely creating a pot of “mulled water.”

One commenter on X (formerly Twitter) expressed disbelief, saying, “If I am not mistaken, Meghan Markle just made mulled water? Wouldn’t you add the spices to apple cider or wine? Not WATER?”

Another critic compared her beverage to a “simmer pot” that real estate agents use to make homes smell pleasant during viewings, stating, “Never seen them serve it up in a mug though.”

The Backlash Grows

Further comments criticized Markle’s culinary skills, with one user stating, “Looks like she was making a spicy tea because she has no idea of what she is really doing. Madame Fake-It-Till-You-Make-It-Montecito.”

Another remarked, “She creates a simmer pot and then serves it to guests as a beverage. Mulling spices are meant to augment a hot beverage like cider, wine, coffee, or tea. But then again, what should we expect from the person labeling tisanes as tea?”

Fans also recalled previous cooking mishaps, such as when Markle was seen holding canning tongs upside down while demonstrating how to can food.

The Recipe’s Ingredients

The recipe Markle shared is part of her festive collection released last week through her brand, As Ever.

Included in this collection is a hot toddy spice kit, which comes in a 43g bag and contains eight servings.

The product is described on the As Ever website as a “holiday entertaining essential” with a powerful aroma designed to “inspire conversation.”

The spice blend includes organic cinnamon, lemongrass, lemon peel, and ginger root, all packaged in a muslin bag.

The description encourages users to ladle the mixture into a mug or punch glass with their favorite spirit, stating, “Our take on the classic hot toddy adds a sip of nostalgia to any gathering.”

Tips for Enjoyment

Alongside the product listing, Markle provided three “tips for enjoyment.”

The first tip suggested jazzing up the drink by serving it in vintage mugs with cinnamon sticks, sliced fruit, and a selection of spirits.

Another tip offered an alcohol-free alternative, encouraging users to steep a few sachets in a vintage canteen to share after skiing, around a fire, or during a chilly outdoor adventure.

Finally, Markle recommended enjoying the drink while watching a movie, stating, “Movie night is sweeter with all the essentials: buttery homemade popcorn, a stack of soft blankets, and a big batch of hot toddies simmering in the kitchen.”

Previous Cooking Mishaps

This is not the first time Markle has faced criticism for her cooking skills.

Earlier this year, she launched a cookery show, promising to “elevate the ordinary” with culinary tips inspired by her experiences in her Montecito mansion.

However, viewers were left confused by her lackluster recipes and unorthodox methods.

One notable incident involved her preparation of a pasta dish that sparked outrage among Italian viewers.

Markle referred to spaghetti as “noodles” and deviated from traditional cooking methods by pouring boiling water directly onto the spaghetti instead of submerging it in salted water.

Viewer Reactions

The reaction to her cooking show was mixed, with many viewers expressing shock and disgust over her approach to Italian cuisine.

One viewer remarked, “Netflix paid a lot of money just to let us know Meghan Markle does not know how to cook pasta.”

This criticism extended to her handling of kitchen utensils, with fans questioning her technique, particularly when she appeared to hold a knife awkwardly while chopping ingredients.

Controversial Chicken Storage

In another incident, Markle faced backlash over her chicken storage practices in her Netflix show.

Viewers were alarmed to see raw chicken legs stored on a shelf in her refrigerator, next to salad leaves, without any protective covering.

Social media users voiced their concerns, questioning why the poultry was not stored separately.

However, as the episode progressed, it was revealed that the chicken had been parboiled and placed on a tray, which alleviated some of the initial outrage.

Baking Adventures

In addition to cooking, Markle has also shown her enthusiasm for baking.

In August, she shared a video of herself making shortbread cookies topped with jam and flower sprinkles.

However, viewers noticed what appeared to be a tiny insect crawling near one of the cookies, prompting further scrutiny of her kitchen practices.

One viewer commented, “There is literally a BUG crawling around on the plate! You think Meghan would notice this BEFORE posting!”

Repackaging Store-Bought Goods

Markle also faced criticism for repackaging supermarket pretzels into her own labeled bags for a guest during another episode of her cooking show.

While some viewers found this move amusing, others questioned her authenticity in the kitchen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Meghan Markle’s recent recipe for “mulled water” has drawn significant criticism and mockery from fans and viewers alike.

Her cooking mishaps, from improperly handling kitchen tools to unconventional food storage practices, have fueled ongoing debates about her culinary skills.

As she continues to share her cooking adventures through her lifestyle brand, it remains to be seen how she will address the feedback and improve her approach in the kitchen.

With each new recipe or cooking demonstration, Markle seems to invite both scrutiny and amusement from her audience, ensuring that her culinary journey remains a topic of conversation.