Mulled wine is a delightful and aromatic drink perfect for cozy evenings by the fire or festive gatherings with loved ones. Its warm flavors and comforting spices make it a popular choice during the colder months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of red wine, spices, and citrus fruits creates a rich and complex flavor profile.
- Quick prep time: This recipe comes together easily and can be made in just a few simple steps.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to unwind after a long day, mulled wine is a versatile and crowd-pleasing drink.
Ingredient Notes:
- Dry, fruity red wine bottle (Merlot, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- Apple cider
- Honey
- Orange (zested and juiced)
- Whole cloves
- Green cardamom pods
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole star anise
- Brandy
- Orange slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine the red wine, apple cider, honey, orange zest and juice, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
- Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through (do not boil).
- Stir in the brandy and continue to heat for another 5-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and strain the mulled wine into mugs.
- Garnish with orange slices and cinnamon sticks before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- Use a good quality red wine for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey to taste.
- Feel free to customize the spices to suit your preferences.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Let the mulled wine simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- For a stronger citrus flavor, add more orange zest and juice to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve mulled wine with a side of spiced nuts or a cheese platter for a perfect pairing. It also pairs well with gingerbread cookies or a warm apple pie.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover mulled wine in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, taking care not to boil the mixture again to preserve the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use white wine instead of red wine? While red wine is traditional for mulled wine, you can experiment with white wine for a different flavor profile.
- Is it necessary to add brandy? Brandy adds depth to the mulled wine, but you can omit it if preferred.
- Can I make mulled wine in advance? Yes, you can prepare the mulled wine ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
- What other spices can I add to the mix? Feel free to experiment with cloves, nutmeg, or allspice for added warmth and complexity.
Conclusion:
Warm up your evenings with a comforting mug of mulled wine. With its enticing aroma and delicious flavors, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Give it a try and let us know how you like it!
PrintMulled Wine
Warm up with this cozy mulled wine recipe, featuring a blend of red wine, apple cider, and aromatic spices like cloves, cinnamon, and star anise. Perfect for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Various
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 750 ml dry, fruity red wine (Merlot, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 2 cups apple cider
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 orange (zested and juiced)
Spices:
- 5 whole cloves
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 whole star anise
Additional:
- ¼ cup brandy
- Orange slices for garnish
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine red wine, apple cider, honey, orange zest, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise.
- Simmer: Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes. Do not bring to a boil.
- Add Brandy: Stir in brandy and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve: Strain the mulled wine and serve hot, garnished with orange slices and cinnamon sticks.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your preference.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg