Mulled Wine
This mulled wine recipe is like Christmas in a mug. Warm, spiced, and a little sweet, it’s the perfect drink to share with friends and family during the holidays. Serve it at your Christmas dinner, while trimming the tree, or cozying up by the fireplace.
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Mulled wine is one of those drinks that instantly sets the holiday mood. The aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus simmering away fills your whole home with festive vibes. 🍊✨
Best of all, it’s easy to make in one pot, and you can even keep it warm on the stove or in a slow cooker while guests serve themselves.
How to Make the Best Mulled Wine
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 6
Equipment
- Large saucepan or pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (Merlot, Cabernet, or Zinfandel work well)
- 1 orange, sliced (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 3 star anise
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Pour the wine into a large saucepan and place over medium-low heat. Do not let it boil.
Step 2: Add the sliced orange, honey (or sugar), cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3: Simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the wine. Keep the heat low so the alcohol doesn’t cook off.
Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in the brandy and vanilla extract.
Step 5: Ladle into heatproof mugs or glasses, garnish with extra orange slices or a cinnamon stick, and serve warm. 🍷
What to serve with Mulled Wine
- Christmas desserts: Serve it alongside Christmas favorites such as gingerbread, sugar cookies, or a slice of fruitcake, for the ultimate holiday treat..
- Cheese boards: Mulled wine pairs beautifully with salty cheeses, crunchy nuts, and sweet dried fruits, the perfect balance to its rich sweetness
- Savory bites: Complement the rich, spiced notes of mulled wine with savory bites like mini quiches, flaky puff pastry, and roasted nuts.
Tips for the best Mulled Wine
- Choose a good wine: You don’t need a pricey bottle, but start with one you’d actually enjoy drinking. A dry red works best, since it balances out the added sweetness and spices without becoming too heavy.
- Don’t boil: Keep the wine just below a simmer. Boiling not only dulls the spices but also cooks off the alcohol, which is part of what makes mulled wine feel so warming and festive.
- Adjust sweetness: Everyone’s taste is different, so give it a sip as it simmers. If it feels too tart or spiced, stir in a little more honey or sugar until it hits that cozy, comforting balance.
- Try variations: Make the recipe your own by tossing in extras like tart cranberries, fragrant cardamom pods, or even a splash of apple cider. These little twists can change the flavor profile and make each batch feel special. 🍷✨
How to Store Your Chocolate Freakshake
Leftovers? No problem. Store mulled wine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat (never boil) until just hot again.
Helpful Extras for Preparing and Serving Mulled Wine
- Use a slow cooker to keep your mulled wine warm throughout the evening. Guests can help themselves without you fussing in the kitchen.
- Try heatproof glass mugs for a festive presentation.
- Keep a jar of whole spices (like star anise and cinnamon sticks) on hand, they last a long time and look beautiful in holiday drinks.
FAQs on Mulled Wine
Can I make mulled wine ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it a few hours in advance, let it cool, then reheat gently before serving.
What’s the best wine for mulled wine??
Dry red wines like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Zinfandel are classic choices.
Does mulled wine still have alcohol?
Yes, unless it’s boiled for a long time, it retains most of the alcohol. Always keep the heat low.
This mulled wine recipe is simple, festive, and endlessly customizable. 🍷✨ Try making it your signature holiday drink this year, you’ll be surprised at how quickly it becomes everyone’s favorite!
Looking for more cozy Christmas recipes? These are sure to warm your holiday season:
Mulled Wine
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This mulled wine recipe is like Christmas in a mug. Warm, spiced, and a little sweet, it’s the perfect drink to share with friends and family during the holidays. Serve it at your Christmas dinner, while trimming the tree, or cozying up by the fireplace.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (Merlot, Cabernet, or Zinfandel work well)
- 1 orange, sliced (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 3 star anise
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Pour the wine into a large saucepan and place over medium-low heat. Do not let it boil.
- Add the sliced orange, honey (or sugar), cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Stir gently to combine.
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the wine. Keep the heat low so the alcohol doesn’t cook off.
- Remove from heat and stir in the brandy and vanilla extract.
- Ladle into heatproof mugs or glasses, garnish with extra orange slices or a cinnamon stick, and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Drinks
