Easy Mulled Wine Recipe

This mulled wine recipe is my go-to cozy drink for chilly nights, combining the rich, warm flavors of red wine, citrus, and spices that remind me of the holidays. Plus, it’s super easy to make and leaves my kitchen smelling absolutely amazing!

There’s nothing quite like a warm cup of easy mulled wine to lift my spirits. I love how the blend of merlot and orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and a touch of honey creates a comforting aroma.

A dash of brandy and vanilla extract adds depth, making this a delightful winter treat.

Ingredients

Red Wine:
Antioxidant-rich, adds a strong, full-bodied flavor.

Orange:
Offers an aroma that is fragrant with citrus and a hint of sweetness.

Whole Cloves:
Contributes a sweet warmth and spicy note.

Cinnamon Sticks:
Imparts a sweet, woody spice, and elevates warmth.

Star Anise:
Provides an aroma and taste reminiscent of licorice, anise, or fennel.

Honey/Sugar:
Provides sweetness that counteracts the acidity of the wine.

Brandy:
Makes flavor stronger, adds profundity, and may provide a warming effect.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 bottle (750ml) of red wine (Merlot, Zinfandel or similar)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 8 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 1/4 cup of honey or sugar
• 1/4 cup of brandy (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
• 1-2 cups of water (optional, to dilute)

Instructions

1. Empty the bottle of red wine into a large saucepan or pot.

2. Add the wine in the pot to the sliced orange.

3. Insert whole cloves into several of the orange slices for easy removal later, and place them in the pot.

4. In the pot, combine the mixture with the cinnamon sticks and star anise.

5. Stir the honey or sugar into the liquid. Do this until the honey or sugar dissolves completely.

6. For extra flavor, you may add brandy and vanilla extract.

7. If you wish, you can add 1–2 cups of water to achieve the desired taste.

8. Warm the blend over medium heat until it is hot but not boiling. Stir now and then.

9. After heating, lower the heat and let the ingredients simmer for a minimum of 15 minutes and a maximum of 1 hour to blend the flavors.

10. Remove the solids from the mulled wine by way of straining it, then pour it into mugs and serve it warm. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Large saucepan or pot
2. Wooden spoon or heat-resistant stirring spoon
3. Measuring cup
4. Measuring spoons
5. Sharp knife
6. Cutting board
7. Ladle
8. Strainer or fine mesh sieve
9. Mugs or heatproof cups for serving

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of red wine?Certainly, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are other full-bodied red wines that can be used, but steer clear of light-bodied reds like Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is a fine wine, but it is a delicate wine and may not hold up well under heat.
• What can I use if I don’t have star anise?You can leave out the star anise if you don’t have it or use a smidge of ground nutmeg or allspice to add warmth and spice if you do have star anise but some of the other spices.
• Is the brandy necessary in this recipe?Brandy is optional. It adds depth and warmth, but your mulled wine will still be delicious without it.
• Can I make this recipe sweeter?Certainly! You can modify the amount of sweetness you like by adding more honey or sugar to taste.
• How long can I keep leftover mulled wine?Refrigerate any excess mulled wine for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the rest, reheat it gently on the stovetop.
• What is the purpose of adding water?Adding water is a personal choice, and it can be used to make the wine taste lighter or to lower the alcohol level.
• Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?Indeed, it is possible to prepare mulled wine in a slow cooker. Gather all ingredients, and set the slow cooker to low for 1 to 2 hours.

Substitutions and Variations

Red wine: Use any full-bodied wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, as a substitute.
Lemon or apple slices can be used as substitutes for oranges.
Cinnamon sticks: Use 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon instead.
Star anise: For a substitution, use 1/2 teaspoon of anise seed or a pinch of fennel seeds.
Honey: Substitute with maple or agave syrup for a different sweetness profile.

Pro Tips

1. Use Fresh Spices For the best flavor, use fresh cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves. Fresh spices release more fragrance and will infuse your mulled wine with a richer, more aromatic profile.

2. Control the Heating Be careful not to let the wine boil. Boiling can cause the alcohol to evaporate and alter the balance of flavors. Keep the wine at a gentle simmer to maintain the integrity of the flavors.

3. Customize Sweetness Taste the mulled wine after adding the initial amount of honey or sugar, and adjust sweetness to your preference. Remember that the orange will also add some natural sweetness.

4. Infuse with Citrus Zest For an extra burst of citrus flavor, consider adding the zest of the orange along with the slices. This will enhance the brightness of the mulled wine.

5. Make-Ahead Tip You can prepare the mulled wine ahead of time and let it cool, allowing the flavors to meld even further. Gently reheat before serving, ensuring it doesn’t boil.