Mulled wine is a warm, spiced wine beverage that transforms ordinary red wine into a festive drink perfect for cold winter evenings and holiday celebrations. This ancient European tradition combines red wine with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, along with citrus fruits and a touch of sweetness to create a comforting drink that warms you from the inside out. The gentle heating process allows the spices to infuse their flavors into the wine while the alcohol content remains, creating a sophisticated beverage that’s both warming and celebratory. Popular at Christmas markets throughout Europe, mulled wine brings people together and creates the perfect atmosphere for cozy gatherings and festive occasions.
Serves: 6-8 people (makes about 1 liter)
What You’ll Need
- 1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or similar)
- 1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional)
- 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6-8 whole cloves
- 3-4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 2-3 star anise
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Orange slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish
- Large saucepan (non-reactive)
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Ladle
- Heat-proof serving mugs
Important Note
This recipe contains alcohol and is intended for adults of legal drinking age. Please consume responsibly and never heat alcohol above simmering temperature to prevent flare-ups.
Getting Started
Choose a good quality dry red wine, but don’t use your most expensive bottle as the spices will mask subtle flavors. Medium-bodied wines work best – avoid overly tannic or light wines.
Use a non-reactive saucepan (stainless steel or enamel) to prevent any metallic tastes from developing in your mulled wine.
Preparing the Citrus and Spices
Wash the orange and lemon thoroughly, then slice them into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Leave the peels on as they contain aromatic oils that add wonderful flavor.
Lightly crush the cardamom pods with the flat side of a knife to release their aromatic seeds. This allows their flavor to infuse more readily into the wine.
Keep the other spices whole – cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise will release their flavors gradually during the heating process.
Building the Flavor Base
Pour the red wine into your saucepan and add all the citrus slices. The fruit will add brightness and help balance the richness of the wine and spices.
Add all the whole spices: cinnamon sticks, cloves, crushed cardamom pods, star anise, and the bay leaf. These create the signature warming flavor profile of mulled wine.
Stir in the brown sugar or honey, starting with less and adding more to taste. The sweetness helps balance the spices and any bitterness from heating the wine.
The Gentle Heating Process
Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and warm the mixture very slowly. Never let mulled wine boil, as this will cook off the alcohol and create bitter flavors.
Heat until you see small bubbles forming around the edges and steam rising from the surface, then immediately reduce heat to low. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
Maintain this gentle heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The wine should be steaming hot but never bubbling vigorously.
Adding the Final Touch
If using brandy or rum, add it during the last 5 minutes of heating. This additional alcohol adds depth and complexity to the finished drink.
Sprinkle in the ground nutmeg and stir gently. Taste carefully (it will be hot!) and adjust sweetness or spices as needed.
The mulled wine should smell incredible at this point, with all the spices melding together in perfect harmony.
Straining and Serving
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and develop further.
Strain the mulled wine through a fine-mesh strainer to remove all the whole spices and fruit pieces. This creates a smooth drinking experience.
Keep the strained wine warm over very low heat if serving immediately, or transfer to a slow cooker on warm setting for parties.
Traditional Presentation
Serve the mulled wine in heat-proof mugs or glasses that have been warmed with hot water and dried. Warm vessels keep the drink at the perfect temperature longer.
Garnish each serving with a fresh orange slice and a cinnamon stick for stirring. The garnish adds visual appeal and allows guests to adjust the cinnamon flavor to their taste.
Some people like to rim the glasses with cinnamon sugar for an extra festive touch, though this isn’t traditional.
Temperature and Timing
Mulled wine should be served very warm but not burning hot. The ideal temperature allows you to taste all the complex flavors without scalding your mouth.
Serve immediately after straining for the best flavor and aroma. The drink can be kept warm for several hours but is at its peak when freshly made.
Party Serving Tips
For large gatherings, this recipe doubles or triples easily. Use a large pot or slow cooker to keep multiple batches warm throughout your event.
Provide ladles and let guests serve themselves, with extra garnishes available on the side for personalization.
Non-Alcoholic Version
For a family-friendly version, substitute the red wine with grape juice or cranberry juice. Follow the same process but reduce the heating time to 15-20 minutes.
The spice combination works beautifully with fruit juices and creates a warming drink that everyone can enjoy.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover mulled wine can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat very gently in a saucepan over low heat, being careful not to boil.
You may need to add a fresh cinnamon stick during reheating to refresh the spice flavors that can diminish over time.
Regional Variations
Different European countries have their own mulled wine traditions. German Glühwein often includes almonds, while Scandinavian Glögg might include raisins and blanched almonds.
Feel free to experiment with additional spices like allspice berries, fresh ginger, or even a vanilla bean for your own signature version.
Perfect Occasions
Mulled wine is ideal for Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve gatherings, winter outdoor events, or any time you want to create a warm, festive atmosphere. The aroma alone helps set the mood for celebration.
