Warm Up Your Holiday Gatherings with Delicious Mulled Wine
There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of mulled wine when the weather turns chilly. This cozy recipe is a long-standing favorite in our home during the holiday season and chilly nights. It’s gently spiced, slightly sweet, and filled with the warm citrusy aroma of oranges and cinnamon. Whether you’re hosting guests or curling up on the couch with a good book, this mulled wine is the ultimate comfort drink. And it’s so easy to make you’ll be surprised how quickly it comes together!
Why You’ll Love This Drink
This mulled wine recipe is a hug in a mug. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and citrusy, making it a heartwarming treat for holiday parties or quiet nights in. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize you can adjust the sweetness, the spices, or even the type of wine you use.
Simple Ingredients
A few simple ingredients create a stunning seasonal drink:
- Red Wine: The heart of the recipe, choose a bold red like Merlot or Cabernet for best flavor.
- Brandy: Adds warmth and a richer depth to the wine.
- Orange: Adds brightness and citrusy freshness that balances the spices.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Infuses the drink with warm, comforting spice.
- Cloves: These tiny spices pack a punch and deepen the flavor.
- Star Anise: Provides a subtle licorice note that pairs beautifully with the other spices.
- Honey or Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Gives the mulled wine a soft, cozy finish.
Yield and Time
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
What is Needed
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 cloves
- 3 star anise
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the red wine, brandy, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, honey or sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to steam. Be careful not to let it boil, as this will cause the alcohol to evaporate.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mulled wine simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the mulled wine into mugs or heatproof glasses.
- Garnish each mug with an orange slice or cinnamon stick, if desired.
Recommended Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Heatproof mugs or glasses
Tips and Variations
- For a hands-off approach, you can make mulled wine in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, set it on low, and let it simmer for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- If you prefer a sweeter mulled wine, add a splash of cranberry juice for a festive twist.
- Leftover mulled wine can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Mulled wine is a versatile drink that can be customized to your liking. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar or honey to suit your taste preferences, or experiment with different spices like cardamom, ginger, or nutmeg. You can also use a variety of red wines, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Zinfandel.
This warm and inviting beverage is perfect for holiday parties, intimate gatherings, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home. So, gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and savor the comforting flavors of homemade mulled wine. Cheers!
Make Ahead Tips
Mulled wine can be made a day in advance and gently reheated on the stove (do not boil) just before serving.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover mulled wine in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat until warm (do not boil).
What To Serve With This Recipe
- Gingerbread cookies
- Cheese platter with nuts and dried fruits
- Roasted nuts or savory spiced popcorn
- Warm brie with honey and cranberries
What You Need to Know About This Recipe
Mulled wine has European roots dating back to Roman times, when heated and spiced wine was a way to stay warm in cold climates. It’s become a staple at winter markets and holiday gatherings across the world, known for its cozy aroma and vibrant spiced flavor.
List of Christmas treats for your holiday celebrations. Check out my Tipsy Rudolph Spritzer.
Mulled Wine
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Heatproof mugs or glasses
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1 orange sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 cloves
- 3 star anise
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the red wine, brandy, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, honey or sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to steam. Be careful not to let it boil, as this will cause the alcohol to evaporate.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mulled wine simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the mulled wine into mugs or heatproof glasses.
- Garnish each mug with an orange slice or cinnamon stick, if desired.
Notes
- You can easily double or triple the recipe for a larger crowd.
- Use whole spices, not ground, to keep the drink clear and smooth.
One-Pot Cooking Rocks!
Michelle
Hi, I’m Michelle, the founder, owner, author, and editor of OvenSpot. My passion for one-pot cooking commenced when I was working to prepare cafeteria lunches for school students. I am now on a mission to assist you in choosing the cooking pot or appliance you will use daily. As well as in-depth information to assist you in using and caring for your cookware and appliances. Along with the yummy recipes I use at home.
Questions? Reach out to Michelle at [email protected]
