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A pot of mulled wine surrounded by spices, oranges, and greenery on a wooden table in a Christmas-decorated room.

Mulled Wine

Cozy up with this easy and aromatic mulled wine recipe! Made with red wine, warming spices, and a touch of citrus, it’s the perfect drink for festive gatherings or relaxing winter nights. Customize with brandy for extra warmth or adapt it into a non-alcoholic version for the whole family. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is a holiday favorite you'll love!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 29 minutes
Total Time 34 minutes
Course Alcoholic Drink, Beverage, Cocktail
Cuisine Christmas Inspired, European, Thanksgiving Inspired, Winter Inspired
Servings 6
Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large saucepan or pot
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Sharp knife
  • 1 Fine-mesh sieve or strainer
  • 1 Heatproof pitcher or mugs
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • 1 Optional: Slow cooker (for keeping the mulled wine warm at gatherings)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Bottle of red wine (750ml, preferably a medium-bodied variety like Merlot or Zinfandel)
  • 1 Orange (sliced into rounds, plus extra for garnish)
  • 3 Cinnamon sticks
  • 6 Whole cloves
  • 3 Whole star anise pods
  • ½ cup honey or ⅓ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ cup Brandy (optional, for an extra kick)
  • 2-3 Cardamom pods (gently crushed)
  • 1 Vanilla bean (split lengthwise) or 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Water

Instructions
 

  • 1. Prepare Your Ingredients Start by slicing the orange into thin rounds and lightly crushing the cardamom pods to release their aromatic oils. Gather your spices to keep everything within reach.
  • 2. Combine Ingredients in a Pot In a large saucepan or pot, combine the red wine, water, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and cardamom. Add the vanilla bean or vanilla extract.
  • 3. Sweeten It Up Stir in the honey or brown sugar. If you prefer your mulled wine less sweet, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste as it warms.
  • 4. Heat Gently Place the pot over medium-low heat. Allow the mixture to warm slowly, stirring occasionally to dissolve the honey or sugar. Do not let the wine boil, as this will cook off the alcohol and alter the flavor profile.
  • 5. Infuse the Flavors Once the wine is warm (not boiling), reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20-30 minutes. This allows the spices to infuse and deepen the flavor.
  • 6. Add Brandy (Optional) For an extra layer of warmth, stir in the brandy just before serving.
  • 7. Strain and Serve Using a fine-mesh sieve, strain the mulled wine into a heatproof pitcher or directly into mugs. Garnish with an orange slice, a cinnamon stick, or a star anise pod for a festive touch.
  • 8. Enjoy! Serve warm and savor the cozy flavors.

Notes

Make Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead: You can prepare the mulled wine a day in advance. After simmering, let it cool completely and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Storage: Leftover mulled wine can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Use a well-sealed container to preserve the flavors. Reheat over low heat to avoid altering the taste.
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