Mulled Wine

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Mulled Wine is the ultimate winter warmer — rich, spiced, and wonderfully aromatic. Made with red wine, citrus, and cozy spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, it’s gently simmered to infuse deep flavor without losing its smoothness.

Try More Winter Drink Recipes:

🍯 Mulled Wine Ingredients

1 (750ml) bottle dry red wine (like Merlot, Cabernet, or Shiraz)
¼ cup brandy (optional for extra warmth)
¼ cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
1 orange, sliced into rounds
1 lemon, sliced into rounds (optional)
3 cinnamon sticks
4–5 whole cloves
2 star anise pods
1 teaspoon whole allspice (optional)
½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Optional Garnish: Orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, or cranberries

🍷 How To Make Mulled Wine

Combine ingredients:
In a large pot or saucepan, combine wine, brandy, honey (or sugar), orange slices, and all spices.
Simmer gently:
Heat over medium-low heat until just below a simmer. Do not boil — boiling evaporates the alcohol.
Infuse flavor:
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Strain and serve:
Strain out the fruit and spices. Pour hot mulled wine into mugs or heatproof glasses.
Garnish:
Add a cinnamon stick or slice of orange for a festive touch.

💭 Recipe Tips

Choose the right wine: Medium-bodied reds like Merlot, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon work best.
Sweeten to taste: Start with less sugar you can always add more.
Don’t boil: Keep it just below simmering to preserve the wine’s flavor and alcohol.
Make it ahead: Reheat gently before serving the flavor deepens overnight.
For a crowd: Double or triple the recipe and keep warm in a slow cooker.

🥧 What To Serve With Mulled Wine?

Pair Mulled Wine with holiday desserts like gingerbread cookies, apple pie or cheese boards. It also complements savory appetizers like roasted nuts, crostini or charcuterie.

🎚 How To Store Leftovers Mulled Wine?

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop — do not boil.
Freeze: Not recommended; the flavor and alcohol balance will change.

FAQs

Can I make this non-alcoholic?

Yes! Replace wine with grape juice or cranberry juice and skip the brandy.

Can I use white wine?

Absolutely it makes a lighter, fruitier version. Add honey, lemon, and ginger for brightness.

Can I use mulling spices?

Yes pre-made spice mixes work great! Add 2–3 tablespoons per bottle of wine.

How can I make it extra festive?

Add cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or a splash of orange liqueur for holiday flair.

Try More Winter Drink Recipes:

📊 Mulled Wine Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cup

Calories: 190 kcal
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 5mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugars: 15g
Protein: 0g

Course: DrinksCuisine: American

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Calories

190

kcal

This Mulled Wine Recipe is rich, spiced, and comforting — made with red wine, citrus, and warming spices for the perfect cozy winter drink.

Ingredients

1 (750ml) bottle dry red wine (like Merlot, Cabernet, or Shiraz)
¼ cup brandy (optional for extra warmth)
¼ cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
1 orange, sliced into rounds
1 lemon, sliced into rounds (optional)
3 cinnamon sticks
4–5 whole cloves
2 star anise pods
1 teaspoon whole allspice (optional)
½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Optional Garnish: Orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, or cranberries

Directions

Combine wine, fruit, spices, and sweetener.
Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes.
Strain, pour, and garnish before serving.

Notes

Choose the right wine: Medium-bodied reds like Merlot, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon work best.
Sweeten to taste: Start with less sugar you can always add more.
Don’t boil: Keep it just below simmering to preserve the wine’s flavor and alcohol.
Make it ahead: Reheat gently before serving the flavor deepens overnight.
For a crowd: Double or triple the recipe and keep warm in a slow cooker.