Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a beloved wintertime beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries, especially during the holiday season.

Its comforting blend of warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, combined with the fruity notes of red wine and citrus, creates the perfect drink to warm up on a chilly night.

Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday gathering or simply cozying up at home, this easy-to-follow mulled wine recipe can be customized to fit your taste, making it an ideal go-to for any occasion during the colder months.

P.S. In a hurry? Click the “Jump to Recipe” button to skip ahead to the recipe.

What is Mulled Wine?

Mulled wine is a classic warm beverage made by heating red wine with a blend of spices, citrus, and sometimes a sweetener, creating a fragrant and flavorful drink.

It is most commonly enjoyed during the colder months, especially at Christmas markets and holiday gatherings across Europe.

The tradition of mulled wine dates back centuries, with variations of the recipe found in countries like Germany (Glühwein), France (vin chaud), and the UK (spiced wine).

Its versatility is one of its greatest strengths—you can easily adjust the spices, sweetness, or even the type of wine to suit your preferences.

This makes mulled wine a comforting and customizable drink, perfect for any winter occasion!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the perfect mulled wine, you’ll need a few essential ingredients that blend together to create the warm, comforting flavors associated with this classic winter drink.

Here’s a list of what you’ll need, along with measurements for a batch that serves 4-6:

• 1 bottle of red wine (750 ml) – Use a full-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for a rich base.
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks – Adds a warm, spicy aroma and flavor that is key to mulled wine.
• 5-6 whole cloves – A traditional spice with an earthy, slightly bitter flavor that balances the sweetness of the wine.
• 2 star anise pods – Infuses the drink with a subtle licorice note, enhancing the complexity of the spice blend.
• 1 orange, sliced – Fresh citrus adds brightness and balances the warmth of the spices.
• 1/4 cup of honey, sugar, or maple syrup (optional) – Sweeten to taste; the amount can be adjusted based on your preference.
• 1/4 cup of brandy (optional) – Adds an extra layer of warmth and a boozy kick to the drink.

Ingredient Breakdown:

• Red wine: The base of the drink, red wine provides depth and richness. Opt for a full-bodied variety like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, as these hold up well against the strong spices and citrus. Avoid expensive bottles since the flavors of the wine will be masked by the spices.
• Cinnamon sticks: Essential for that signature warm and cozy flavor. Cinnamon adds sweetness and spice, making the mulled wine aromatic and soothing.
• Cloves: These tiny, potent spices are crucial for adding depth and warmth to your mulled wine. Their slightly bitter flavor offsets the sweetness of the wine and citrus, creating balance in the drink.
• Star anise: Known for its licorice-like flavor, star anise brings a unique complexity to the mix. While subtle, it helps enhance the overall richness of the spices without being overpowering.
• Orange slices: Fresh orange is a must in mulled wine, as it adds brightness and acidity that lifts the deep flavors of the red wine and spices. Slice the orange thinly and drop into the pot, letting the juices blend with the wine as it simmers.
• Sweetener (optional): Depending on your personal preference, you can sweeten your mulled wine with honey, sugar, or maple syrup. Honey or maple syrup offers a natural sweetness that complements the spices well, while sugar provides a more neutral sweetness. Start with 1/4 cup and adjust as needed.
• Brandy (optional): For a stronger, more festive punch, add a splash of brandy. It enhances the richness of the drink and adds a warming effect, perfect for cold winter nights.

How to Make Mulled Wine

Creating the perfect mulled wine is simple, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully to preserve the flavor and aroma.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make a delicious, well-balanced batch:

1. Heat the wine:

Begin by pouring a bottle of red wine (750 ml) into a large saucepan or pot. Set the heat to low or medium-low, as the key to perfect mulled wine is gently warming it—never let it boil.

Boiling will evaporate the alcohol and can make the wine taste harsh. The goal is to heat it just enough to infuse the flavors without losing the alcohol content.

2. Add spices and citrus:

Once the wine begins to warm (but is not yet simmering), add your spices and citrus.

Drop in 2-3 cinnamon sticks, 5-6 whole cloves, and 2 star anise pods. Slice one orange thinly and add the slices to the pot. The orange not only adds bright, fresh flavors but also helps balance the richness of the red wine.

Stir gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This is when the aromas will start to fill your kitchen!

3. Sweeten to taste:

Depending on your taste, you may want to add some sweetness. Stir in 1/4 cup of honey, sugar, or maple syrup. Begin with a small amount and taste the mixture as you go, adjusting based on your preference.

Keep in mind that the longer the wine simmers, the more the spices will infuse, which can balance out the sweetness.

4. Simmer:

Let the wine and spices gently simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully without overpowering the drink.

Avoid bringing the mixture to a full boil—keeping the heat low will help retain the alcohol while allowing the spices to fully infuse the wine.

Optional brandy: For an extra warming kick, add a splash (about 1/4 cup) of brandy just before you’re ready to serve. The brandy adds a richer depth to the drink and elevates the booziness, making it a little more festive.

5. Strain and serve:

Once the mulled wine is infused and fragrant, remove it from the heat.

Use a fine mesh strainer or a slotted spoon to carefully remove the spices and citrus slices from the wine.

Ladle the mulled wine into mugs for serving, and garnish each with a cinnamon stick or a fresh slice of orange for a festive presentation.

Pro Tip: For even better results, make your mulled wine a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to intensify and meld further.

6. Enjoy!

When ready to serve, gently reheat the wine without bringing it to a boil. Enjoy your warm, spiced beverage that’s perfect for chilly nights and holiday gatherings!

Tips & Recipe Variations

Mulled wine is a versatile drink that can easily be customized to suit different preferences.

Here are some fun variations to try:

• Use white wine: For a lighter, fruitier version, swap out red wine for a dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. This creates a refreshing yet warm twist on the classic mulled wine.
• Experiment with spices: Add a dash of nutmeg, a few slices of fresh ginger, or a couple of cardamom pods for a more complex and aromatic flavor profile. These spices deepen the drink’s richness and can enhance the warmth.
• Sweeten with juice: Instead of sugar or honey, use apple juice or cranberry juice as a natural sweetener. This not only adds sweetness but also gives the mulled wine an extra layer of fruity flavor, complementing the citrus and spices.
• Make it alcohol-free: For a family-friendly version, replace the wine with grape juice, apple cider, or a mix of both. You’ll still get the cozy spices and warmth without the alcohol, making it perfect for all ages.

Mulled Wine Recipe

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