Easy Mulled Wine Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe for mulled wine! It's bursting with flavor and is the perfect drink to enjoy during the wintertime. The warm, sweet wine is infused with spices and has a refreshing hint of citrus from the orange. Plus, it's so easy to make!
Two glass mugs of spiced mulled wine rest on a round, ornate metal tray, each topped with star-shaped apple slices. Orange slices, a small bowl of pomegranate seeds, anise stars, and cinnamon sticks are artfully scattered around. Apples and an orange wedge sit beside the tray on a marble surface.

About this recipe

This recipe for mulled wine is so full of flavor and festive vibes. It is delicious and effortless to prepare.  The warm, sweet wine filled with spices and the orange’s fresh citrus notes with every sip; it is a dream.

This spiced wine is super rich and perfect for a winter afternoon in front of the fireplace or a campfire.

A stainless steel pot on a marble surface holds bubbling red wine being poured in, perfect for crafting mulled wine. Below, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, lemon peel, and sugar await their turn. The composition suggests preparation for a warm, spiced beverage.

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE mulled WINE

  • Wine: Use any red wine you love, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Zinfandel. Just make sure it’s bold enough to hold its own with the mulling spices. I usually go for organic options here—great taste, minimal additives.
  • Apple Juice: Choose apple juice with no added sugar or the most natural kind you can find. While mulled wine recipes often call for apple cider, I prefer the cleaner, lighter flavor of apple juice. Trust me; it’s a game-changer.
  • Orange Zest: When zesting the orange, be careful not to add any white part of the peel, it can make it bitter. And if you have leftovers, avoid storing the mulled wine with the peel, as it can get a little intense.
  • Spices and Sweetness: Whole spices give this wine an incredible, warming flavor. I use cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise, but feel free to skip anything you’re not a fan of. This recipe is all about making it delicious for you!
💡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. 

HOW TO MAKE mulled wine?

This mulled wine is as easy as it is flavorful—a perfect pick if you’re a fan of sangria or spiked fruit punch. While many recipes call for apple cider, I like to switch it up with apple juice for a slightly different, refreshing twist. The warm spices make it ideal for cozy evenings or holiday get-togethers.

To make spiced red wine, combine apple juice, your favorite spices, a touch of orange zest, and a good red wine in a pot. Heat it over low, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld beautifully and the sugar dissolves. Taste it to make sure it’s just right, then serve it up hot and enjoy!

HOW TO SERVE Mulled WINE?

Always strain your mulled wine before serving to remove all the spices and any citrus pieces. This will ensure a smooth drinking experience.

To make your dish extra special, you can serve it with apple slices, orange zest or orange slices as garnishes, and pomegranate seeds. If you’re making it for Christmas Eve, consider using mini cookie cutters to create festive shapes with apples.

If you don’t have apples, you can use pears or substitute the pomegranate seeds with fresh cranberries or blueberries. To serve it, I prefer to use small glasses or glass mugs rather than regular wine glasses or even mugs. They look prettier and yummier.

Two glass mugs with mulled wine, garnished with apple slices and star-shaped spices, sit on a round metal tray. Surrounding the mugs are small wooden bowls of pomegranate seeds, cinnamon sticks, and fragrant star anise. In the background, whole apples and orange slices rest elegantly on the marble surface.

Tips for making the best-mulled wine

Sweeten Wisely: Traditional recipes call for sugar, but consider alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar for a deeper flavor profile. Start with less sweetener than you think you need, as you can always add more to taste once the spices have infused.

Low and Slow: Mull your wine on low heat to avoid boiling. Boiling can cook off the alcohol and can make the spices bitter. A gentle simmer allows the flavors to meld together without reducing the potency of the wine.

Infuse with Patience: Give your spices plenty of time to infuse the wine; a good 20-30 minutes of gentle simmering should do the trick. However, if you have time, you can let the spices sit in the wine on a very low heat for a few hours; just be sure the heat is low enough to prevent boiling.

Experiment with Add-Ins: While there are traditional spices associated with mulled wine, don’t be afraid to experiment. Vanilla pods, cardamom pods, or a splash of brandy or rum can add a unique twist to your concoction.

Serve in the Right Glass: Serve your mulled wine in heatproof glasses. The classic choice is a clear mug that allows the rich color of the mulled wine to shine through and is sturdy enough to handle the warmth.

Two glass mugs of spiced mulled wine topped with star-shaped slices on a round tray. Garnished beautifully with orange slices, a small bowl of pomegranate seeds, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Apples and orange segments grace the light gray marbled surface.

Mulled wine

Alejandra Graf
I absolutely love this recipe for mulled wine! It's bursting with flavor and is the perfect drink to enjoy during the wintertime. The warm, sweet wine is infused with spices and has a refreshing hint of citrus from the orange. Plus, it's so easy to make!
4 de 3 votos
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Drink
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 269 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups apple juice
  • 750 ml red wine 1 bottle
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 2 pieces of cinnamon
  • 2 large pieces of orange zest
  • 3 pieces of whole cloves
  • 1 piece anise star

For serving

  • 1 pomegranate peeled and seeded
  • 1 apple sliced as thinly as possible
  • 1 Orange sliced

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, combine the apple juice, red wine, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, and star anise. Simmer on low heat.
  • When the sugar dissolves, and the species begin to release their aroma, turn off the heat and serve.
  • I like to serve it in glasses with pomegranate seeds, apple slices, and orange zest.

Notes

How to store mulled wine

  1. Cool Completely: Allow your mulled wine to cool to room temperature before storing. Hot liquids can create condensation, which may lead to spoilage.
  2. Strain the Spices Out: Remove all the spices and fruit pieces. This is crucial because leaving them in can cause the flavors to become overpowering and potentially bitter over time.
  3. Airtight Container: Transfer the mulled wine into an airtight container or a wine bottle with a screw top or cork. Minimizing the exposure to air keeps the wine from oxidizing and losing its character.
  4. Refrigeration: Once in an airtight container, place your mulled wine in the refrigerator. This slows down the degradation process and helps preserve the flavors.
  5. Consume Quickly: Mulled wine is best enjoyed within a couple of days after it’s made, even when stored properly. It doesn’t have the same shelf life as unmulled wine due to the addition of fruits and spices.
  6. Reheat Gently: When you’re ready to enjoy your stored mulled wine, reheat it gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the alcohol from burning off. Avoid microwaving as it can unevenly heat the wine and affect its flavor.
  7. Freezing: Although not traditional, if you want to keep mulled wine for an extended period, you can freeze it. Pour the wine into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. To serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then gently reheat it.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 269kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 517mgFiber: 4gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 82IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 1mg
Keyword mulled wine, warm wine, wine with spices

information

Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Did you make this recipe?Tag @piloncilloyvainilla on Instagram and hashtag it #alecooks so we can all see your creations.
Alejandra Graf
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4 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)
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