Mulled Wine
Updated
Updated
Made with red wine, citrus, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, I think this truly is the best Mulled Wine recipe. I find it’s perfect for holiday parties or anytime you need a warm beverage during the chilly months!
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Easy Mulled Wine Recipe
Not only does mulled wine taste like the holidays, but cooking it always results in my house filled with the warm scents of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise with subtle undertones of citrus. And, of course, we can’t forget the wine!
For those who have never had it, mulled wine is simply wine (usually red) that’s heated with a handful of warm spices and citrus. It’s a quintessential holiday drink often served at Christmas parties or other gatherings. I like to make big batches of it when I’m entertaining a crowd, but usually prepare a smaller batch for sharing with family or friends, no matter the occasion.
When it comes to holiday beverages, I find it truly is a crowd favorite. It takes wine drinking to the next level as it’s so warming and comforting.
Helpful Tips And Variations
- Wine to use. My preferred wines are either Pinot Noir or Zinfandel. Choose something fruity but not too sweet and something that’s priced in the middle of the road. Besides the two mentioned above, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are also great choices.
- Reduce the bitterness. To minimize any bitter flavor, you can peel the orange before simmering it in the wine. You can also always add extra sweetener.
- Alcohol-free. For an alcohol-free version, use unsweetened red grape juice in place of the wine and omit the additional liquor. Or, simmer for about 30 minutes to reduce the alcohol content.
- Sugar options. Both honey and maple syrup can be used as sweeteners. Be sure to taste test, as the amount you’ll need will depend on how sweet the wine is.
- Use white wine. This Christmas drink recipe is traditionally made with red wine; though you can use a dry white wine if you prefer.
- Additional spices. Cardamom is another spice frequently used in this hot Christmas drink.
Mulled Wine
Ingredients
- 750 ml dry red wine, avoid sweet wine
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 small lemon, juiced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks, do not use ground
- 8 whole cloves, do not use ground
- 2 star anise
- ¼ cup brandy, bourbon, or cognac
- additional orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or fresh whole cranberries, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a Dutch oven or medium heavy-bottomed pot; briefly stir.
- Warm over medium heat until steaming and just barely reaches a simmer (about 5 minutes)—keep a close eye on it. Once you start seeing tiny bubbles at the surface, reduce the heat to very low. Do not boil.
- Continue cooking over very low heat for another 5-10 minutes. Taste and add more sweetener, if desired.
- Remove the spices from the wine and serve warm in heatproof glasses or mugs.
- If you expect to finish off the mulled wine within 20 minutes or so, you can keep it on the stove over extra-low heat (it will become spicier with time). Otherwise, remove it from the heat, cover, and rewarm over low heat if necessary.
Nutrition
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.
Did you make this? Leave a rating below!How to Make Mulled Wine Step by Step
Gather your ingredients.
Combine ingredients: Combine 750 ml dry red wine and ⅓ cup granulated sugar.
Add 1 small lemon, juiced, 1 orange, sliced, 2 cinnamon sticks, 8 whole cloves, 2 star anise, ¼ cup brandy, bourbon, or cognac in a Dutch oven. Stir well and warm until steaming but just simmering. When you see tiny bubbles, reduce the heat to very low.
Reduce heat: Continue heating the wine on very low heat for another 5-10 minutes. Taste and adjust the sweetness level if you feel it’s too bitter.
Serve: Remove the spices or keep as garnish and serve warm in glasses.
To Make Mulled Wine In a Crockpot
This mulled wine recipe is easy to adapt to make in a crockpot and I find that serving it in a crockpot is actually ideal for parties, as you can keep it warm easily. To make crockpot mulled wine, just add all of the ingredients to the crockpot, cover, and set over low heat until steaming, about 30 to 60 minutes, then switch to the warm setting.
How to Store
The great thing about this classic holiday drink is that it can easily be prepared in advance. If you make it within a few hours of the party, it can sit on the counter at room temperature.
However, it will also last up to 3 days in the fridge if you want to make it the day before. Just prepare according to the directions, cool to room temperature, and transfer to an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop or in a crockpot. Be sure to remove the spices before storing, otherwise it will likely become too spicy.
What to Serve with Mulled Wine
I find this mulled wine just begs to be served with other holiday foods, so I’ll usually whip up this iconic crescent roll Christmas tree, warm and golden from the oven, and these colorful colorful jam and brie phyllo bites that add a pop of sweetness and texture. To round it all out, I’ll put together a holiday holiday nut and cheese board filled with creamy cheeses, roasted nuts, and a few seasonal touches.
