A cozy mug of mulled wine with spices and citrus fruits

Mulled Wine

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Why Make This Recipe

Mulled wine is a warm and fragrant drink that brings comfort in chilly weather. It’s perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or festive celebrations. The spices and citrus scents create a delightful aroma that fills your home, making it feel welcoming and festive. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste.

How to Make Mulled Wine

Ingredients:

  • 2750-ml bottles dry red wine, such as Grenache, Merlot, Syrah, or Zinfandel
  • 1 ½ cups brandy
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar, plus more to taste
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 6 star anise pods
  • 4 cinnamon sticks, plus more for serving
  • ½ cup fresh cranberries
  • 3 large oranges

Directions:

  1. In a large pot, pour in the red wine and brandy.
  2. Add the brown sugar, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks.
  3. Slice the oranges and add them to the pot, along with the fresh cranberries.
  4. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s warm, but do not boil.
  5. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves, about 5-10 minutes.
  6. Taste the mulled wine and add more sugar if needed.
  7. Remove from heat and let it steep for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  8. Strain the drink to remove the spices and fruit.
  9. Serve warm with a cinnamon stick and an orange slice for garnish.

How to Serve Mulled Wine

Serve mulled wine warm in heatproof glasses or mugs. You can add a cinnamon stick or an orange slice to each serving for extra flavor and decoration. This drink is great for holiday parties or a cozy evening with friends.

How to Store Mulled Wine

If you have leftovers, you can store mulled wine in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat on the stove over low heat.

Tips to Make Mulled Wine

  • Use good quality dry red wine for the best flavor.
  • Feel free to adjust the spices to match your taste. Add more cloves or cinnamon if you like a spicier drink.
  • You can add other fruits like apples or pears for added sweetness and flavor.
  • Consider swirling in extra citrus juice for a zesty kick.

Variation

You can turn mulled wine into a non-alcoholic drink by using grape juice or cranberry juice instead of wine and replacing the brandy with water or a flavored soda. The same spices will still give it that warm, cozy feeling.

FAQs

1. Can I use white wine for mulled wine?
Yes, you can use white wine. It won’t have the same deep color, but it will still taste great, especially if you use spices and fruits.

2. How long can I keep mulled wine in the fridge?
Mulled wine can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container.

3. Can I make mulled wine ahead of time?
Yes, you can make mulled wine ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Mulled Wine

A warm and fragrant drink perfect for chilly weather and festive celebrations, mulled wine combines red wine, brandy, and spices for a comforting beverage.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Beverage, Drink
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the base
  • 2 750 ml bottles dry red wine, such as Grenache, Merlot, Syrah, or Zinfandel Choose a good quality wine for the best flavor.
  • 1.5 cups brandy Adjust based on preference.
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar You can add more to taste.
For flavoring
  • 6 whole cloves Feel free to add more for a spicier drink.
  • 6 pods star anise
  • 4 sticks cinnamon Plus more for serving.
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
  • 3 large oranges Slice and use for flavoring.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, pour in the red wine and brandy.
  2. Add the brown sugar, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks.
  3. Slice the oranges and add them to the pot, along with the fresh cranberries.
Cooking
  1. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s warm, but do not boil.
  2. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves, about 5-10 minutes.
  3. Taste the mulled wine and add more sugar if needed.
  4. Remove from heat and let it steep for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Strain the drink to remove the spices and fruit.
  6. Serve warm with a cinnamon stick and an orange slice for garnish.

Notes

Great for holiday parties or a cozy evening. If you have leftovers, store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.