About this recipe
When the weather cools down and you’re craving something cozy, this easy mulled wine recipe is the drink to make. It’s sweet, citrusy, and infused with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise — the kind of aroma that makes your whole kitchen smell like the holidays.
This version uses red wine and apple juice instead of heavy cider for a lighter, fresher twist. It’s simple, elegant, and perfect for sipping by the fire, serving at a dinner party, or enjoying while wrapping gifts. Think of it as the winter cousin of sangria — warm, spiced, and ready in 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with pantry staples — wine, juice, and whole spices
- Ready in just 20 minutes, no fancy tools needed
- Cozy, comforting, and full of citrus-spice aroma
- Naturally gluten-free and easily vegan
- Perfect for winter gatherings or holiday nights in
Ingredients for Mulled Wine (with Apple Juice)
- Red Wine: Use any full-bodied red wine, no need for an expensive bottle — the spices do the magic.
- Apple Juice: I love using pure, unsweetened apple juice instead but you could use cider too.
- Orange Zest & Slices: Avoid the white pith, which can turn the drink bitter.
- Whole Spices: Cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise are traditional.
- Sweetener: You can also use honey or maple syrup for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
💡 Home Cook Tip: Spices lose potency over time. If they don’t smell strong when you open the jar, it’s time for new ones — your mulled wine will thank you.
HOW TO MAKE mulled wine?
- Strain and serve. Remove spices and orange peel. Pour into heatproof glasses or mugs and garnish with orange slices, apple rounds, and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds.
- Combine ingredients. In a large pot, add the apple juice, red wine, sugar, orange zest, and all the whole spices.
- Warm gently. Heat over low heat until the sugar dissolves and the kitchen fills with the aroma of cinnamon and cloves — about 15–20 minutes. Never let it boil or the alcohol will evaporate.
- Taste and adjust. Add more sweetener if you like a richer flavor.
Variations
- Apple Mulled Wine: Add extra apple juice and a few apple slices while simmering for a fruity twist.
- Traditional Mulled Wine: Skip the apple juice and use just wine, citrus, and spices for a more classic version.
- Non-Alcoholic Option: Substitute the wine with grape juice or pomegranate juice for a kid-friendly version that’s just as festive.
- White Mulled Wine: Use dry white wine, pear slices, lemon zest, and cardamom pods for a lighter flavor profile.
Home-Cook Tips for the Best Mulled Wine
- Low and Slow: Keep your heat low — gentle warmth infuses flavor without bitterness.
- Sweeten Wisely: Start with less sugar; the flavor deepens as it simmers. You can always add more.
- Make Ahead: Mulled wine tastes even better after resting for an hour. Reheat gently before serving.
- Serve It Right: Use glass mugs or heatproof cups so the deep red color can shine.
FAQ
Easy Mulled Wine Recipe (Warm, Spiced & Cozy)
Equipment
- 1 Pot
Ingredients
- 4 cups 1 liter apple juice, unsweetened
- 1 bottle 750 ml red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Zinfandel)
- 2 tablespoons sugar or honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar, to taste
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 large strips orange zest avoid the white pith
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 star anise pod
- For Serving:
- 1 apple thinly sliced
- 1 orange thinly sliced
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- Combine: In a large saucepan, add apple juice, red wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks, orange zest, cloves, and star anise.
- Simmer gently: Warm over low heat (never boiling) for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the spices are fragrant.
- Taste and adjust: Add more sugar or sweetener if desired.
- Strain and serve: Remove spices and zest. Pour into heatproof glasses or mugs and garnish with apple and orange slices, plus a few pomegranate seeds.
Notes
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
💡Spices, how fresh are yours? It is important that you check your spices often. For this warm wine to be extra delicious, you have to use freshspices. Although, spices in theory, cannot be spoiled, they do lose flavor. The easiest way to check them is by the smell, when you open the jar or bag it has to smell delicious and fill the space with their aroma.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
I’m Ale Graf, a Mexican living in Texas and the creator of AleCooks and Piloncillo&Vainilla. I share easy, family-friendly recipes—some Mexican, mostly plant-based—that can be enjoyed all day, every day. My focus is on recipes that bring people together around the table, making mealtime simple, delicious and meaningful. I’m also the co-author of Yo Cocino Latino, and my recipes have been featured in numerous online magazines and publications.
Follow along on my social accounts for daily inspiration, tips, and delicious recipes! I’d love to hear about you! Send me a DM on Instagram, and let’s talk all things food 🍽️✨