The Perfect Mulled Wine Recipe To Warm Up With

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Mulled wine just hits different when the weather dips, doesn’t it? You know the scene: It’s chilly, your toes are frozen, and every holiday commercial is blaring from every corner. All you want is something warm and, honestly, a little festive. That’s exactly what happened to me after my disastrous attempt at hot chocolate (my microwave still smells a little scorched). If you’re curious about more toasty winter drinks, don’t miss our simple tricks for the best holiday appetizers and check out these cozy easy slow cooker dinners—they’ll save you in a pinch this season.

What Is Mulled Wine?

Okay, let’s keep it real. Mulled wine is basically wine—but like, dressed up in its holiday best. It’s warmed gently, never boiling, with spices and sometimes citrus or a hint of sweet. Imagine the scent. Cloves, cinnamon, a bit of orange, kind of like walking into a European Christmas market, but you can wear your pajamas.

Some folks call it spiced wine, but I call it my secret “how to impress your in-laws” trick. It goes way, way back. Like, Romans-were-drinking-it kind of old. People found out wine tasted better and made you feel cozier with a handful of aromatics tossed in. So it stuck.

For me, mulled wine means cozy nights, friends laughing, the house smelling ridiculous (in a good way). Nothing snooty here. If you love easy, crowd-pleasing drinks, you’re in the right place.

Ingredient	Quantity	Tips
Red Wine	1 Bottle (750ml)	Use Merlot or Zinfandel
Cinnamon Sticks	2-3 sticks	Add more for stronger flavor
Cloves	5-6 whole cloves	Don’t overdo, can be strong
Orange Peel	1 large peel	Use organic if possible
Sugar/Honey	2 tablespoons	Adjust to taste
Brandy	1/4 cup	Optional, adds depth

How to Make Mulled Wine

Let’s do this together, friend. Here’s how I make my go-to mulled wine:

Just grab a bottle of red wine—seriously, don’t splash out on anything fancy. Merlot, Zinfandel, even blends. Toss it in a big pot.

Add in a few strips of orange peel, a cinnamon stick, a handful of cloves (I don’t count, just toss). One or two star anise if you’re feeling spicy. Some folks like a little vanilla or ginger too, but honestly—use what you’ve got.

Pour in a splash of brandy or orange liqueur for a kick. Then a tablespoon or two of sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Taste as you go.

Bring the pot up just shy of a simmer. Don’t let it boil. The idea is gentle warmth (nobody likes bitter wine). Let it hang out for 10-20 minutes—your house will start smelling like a holiday candle.

Strain it into mugs (or big coffee cups, I won’t judge). Tuck in a cinnamon stick if you’re feeling extra.

“We followed your recipe at our friends’ holiday party, and honestly, it tasted like something from a five-star restaurant. Even the non-wine drinkers asked for seconds!” – My neighbor, Jess

Recipe Tips and Tricks

First off—don’t get wild about the wine. Less is more, price wise. Trust me, with all the spice, you’re not going to notice if it’s a $10 or $20 bottle.

Watch the heat. Like, really. If it boils, you’ll lose the flavor and some of the alcohol. Slow and steady wins this race.

If you’re in a rush? You can totally make mulled wine in the slow cooker. Throw everything in, cover, crank to low for two hours, boom.

Taste as you go, but remember: it gets stronger as it sits. Some days I skip extra sugar, some days my sweet tooth wins.

Cleanup tip: If cloves float around, just grab a slotted spoon and fish them out. Don’t overthink it. Honestly, I never have.

Let your friends add extra sweetener or orange slices in their cup. Some like it sweeter, some more tart—it’s all good.

Possible Variations

There are so many ways to riff on the classic mulled wine recipe, and I encourage being a little wild here. Don’t feel boxed in! Sometimes I toss in a handful of cranberries or use apple cider instead of wine for my non-drinking friends. Or swap honey for maple syrup; it adds a deep, autumn vibe. White wine works, too. It’s lighter, but some people really love it (especially with a little lemon and ginger).

Feeling extra festive? Add half a cup of apple brandy or cranberry liqueur—just watch out, it packs a punch. I’ve even thrown in some peppercorns for a grown-up kick. In Sweden, they call it glögg, and add almond slivers and raisins to the mug. So, feel free to get creative, mix it up, and see where you land flavor-wise. Sometimes experiments become new favorites.

What to Serve with this Mulled Wine Recipe

Pairing is easy—almost too easy. Here’s what’s always a hit for me:

• Cheesy garlic bread or mini grilled cheeses—soak up every sip.
• Spiced cookies (gingerbread, shortbread)—trust me, you want the crumbs.
• Warm roasted nuts or candied pecans for a simple nibble.
• Hearty charcuterie platters (salami, brie, olives) to make it feel really
  special.

A cozy bowl of stew or chili can work if you need a meal on the table. Basically, go for bold flavors or comfort food. Mulled wine loves a little salt and spice as company.

Common Questions

How long does mulled wine last?
Stick leftovers in the fridge, and you can reheat gently for up to two days. It won’t be as fresh, but still hits the spot.

Can I make it alcohol-free?
For sure—swap wine with fruit juice (cranberry, apple or grape works well). Still tastes festive!

What wine is best for mulled wine?
Use a full-bodied red like merlot or shiraz. Avoid really tannic stuff.

Is it okay to add different fruits?
Absolutely. Sliced apple, lemon peel, even berries can be tossed in if you like changing up flavors.

Do I need special equipment?
Nope. Just a pot and a ladle. Strainer helps but grab a fork if you don’t have one.

Time to Mulled Wine and Chill

Look, there’s something magical about making mulled wine at home. It’s not just about what you sip—though I’d argue mine is better than anything at a fancy bar. Making the kitchen all steamy, inviting friends or family to scoop their own mugs, it’s a five-star treat for pennies. For more inspiration, check out the Mulled Wine Recipe | Gimme Some Oven or the Best Mulled Wine Recipe on Delish. If you want to nerd out on where it all started, hit up the Mulled wine Wikipedia. And yep, even the big names like the Mulled Wine Recipe at NYT Cooking and the Mulled Wine Recipe at WellPlated have their own spins. Go on, your winter just got warmer—give it a go.

For more other delicious recipes, check out this link !!