Over the years, I have perfected my hot spiced red mulled wine recipe: It balances sweet, spicy, and warm flavors.
I first tasted mulled wine at the annual Christmas Village in Philadelphia, an American take on a German Christmas market. Since then, hot mulled wine has become a cozy holiday tradition for us.
This recipe only takes 20 minutes on the stovetop, and I also share a special tip on what kind of red wine works best at the end. It’s Christmas in a mug!
Red Mulled Wine Recipe
Traditional holiday mulled wine, originating in Europe, is a warm, spiced drink made by heating red wine with cinnamon, cloves, anise, and oranges. Popular in winter, it’s enjoyed for its comforting, festive flavors.
- Yield: 2-4
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Ingredients
- One bottle of dry red wine
- One orange
- Two cinnamon sticks
- Two anise pods
- Six to eight whole cloves
- Optional: Four to five cranberries, sliced in half
- Optional: One to two tablespoons of maple syrup (If you are using a holiday-themed wine, however, I suggest you skip it, as it may make the wine too sweet.)
Instructions
- Slice the orange.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot.
- Heat on medium heat until the wine barely starts to simmer. Do not let it start bubbling; it will boil off the alcohol.
- Reduce to low heat, cover, and let the mulled wine simmer for about fifteen minutes.
- Strain the oranges and spices using a mesh strainer or spoon. Straining is essential, as the mulled wine can become acidic and bitter after too much soaking.
- Serve in a mug.
I think it tastes best next to a fireplace while reading Christmas books. Add it to your Christmas bucket list and drink it as an alternative to hot chocolate on Jolabokaflod.
Notes and Tips
- The best wine for red mulled wine is holiday-themed wine. Holiday wine works best as it already has a light and spicy flavor. I use Chaddsford Winery’s Holiday Spirit wine, which is vegan from a local Philadelphia winery.
- Do NOT juice the orange! It will make the mulled wine too acidic.
- Also, do not grind the spices or use ground spices, as ground spices will overpower the mulled wine.
- You can find additional vegan red holiday wines on Barnivore.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The best wines for mulled wine are dry, full-bodied reds like Merlot, Syrah, or Zinfandel. Their rich flavors balance well with spices and sweeteners, creating a smooth and aromatic drink for warm, festive occasions.
Mulling wine can reduce its alcohol content if heated too high or boiled. To retain most alcohol, warm it gently on low heat. Prolonged or vigorous heating may significantly lower the alcohol level while enhancing the spiced flavor.
Serve mulled wine with savory snacks like cheese boards, charcuterie, or roasted nuts. Sweet options like gingerbread, mince pies, or spiced cookies also pair well. Its warm, spiced flavors complement festive appetizers and holiday treats beautifully.
You can gently reheat mulled wine on low heat to preserve its flavors and avoid cooking off the alcohol. Use a stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as it may alter the taste and reduce its quality.
To store mulled wine, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or bottle. Refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat when ready to enjoy, avoiding boiling to preserve flavors and alcohol.
