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This Mulled Wine recipe is effortless and loaded with flavors in just 20 minutes.
Here are a few bites you can enjoy with a warm glass of mulled wine: Fried Apple Pies, Sweet Potato Pound Cake, Cinnamon Coffee Cake, Chocolate Sour Cream Pound Cake, and Chocolate French Toast.
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I did not grow up drinking warm or mulled wine as a kid or an adult. Actually, I didn't learn about it until I moved to Dallas and went to make groceries (grocery shop) with my wife one random day of the week.
While waiting in line to get some steaks, this fragrant aroma grabbed my attention, and I had to find out what that warm, cozy scent was. A gentleman was serving samples of what he called Christmas Wine. It was so delicious I took 3 samples and brought a bottle.
But after we drank the whole bottle, I learned that they only sold it for about two weeks, and after that, it was gone for the rest of the year. However, while talking to the attendant, she said all you need is some red wine and mulling spices to make mulled spiced wine at home.
That was the day I created this recipe!
Now, I can make it anytime I want something warm and cozy that'll put me to sleep through the cold winter season in a matter of minutes. I will show you how easy mulled wine is to make at home. So grab your glass mugs and get ready to be filled with some incredible hot wine.
What is Mulled Wine?
Mulled wine is a delightful warm drink! It's made by gently heating red wine, water, sugar, and fragrant spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, star anise pods, and orange peel. This creates a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful drink that'll warm you right up on chilly nights.
Key Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make an easy mulled wine recipe.
Ruby Port
Sure, you can use any red wine that you love to drink, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, but I find that the fruity flavors and tasting notes (cherry, cinnamon, dark chocolate, and clove) of Ruby Port make the best mulled wine.
Apple Cider
I didn't want to add sugar, dark brown sugar, or maple syrup to the recipe, so I used another classic winter drink instead. Use your favorite apple cider or apple juice; different brands are available in other markets, so use one you enjoy.
Star Anise Pods
Star anise is known for its sweet, spicy, and fruity notes. It has a black licorice and fennel taste. The pods have a hint of bitterness with notes of cinnamon and cloves. As they cook, they infuse a rich, aromatic scent and flavor.
Cinnamon Sticks
Whole cinnamon sticks have more flavor because the essential oils are locked into them. I do not recommend using ground cinnamon in its place.
Whole Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a flavor pal to cinnamon because of the complimentary warm spice notes. Also, make sure to grab some mace. Mace is the dried-up rind that covers nutmeg on the tree. It has 10 times the nutmeg flavor.
Whole Cloves
Clove's strong, pungent, and sweet flavor tastes like a mix of allspice and cinnamon with a peppery kick.
Fresh Oranges
The citrus season starts in the fall, and you'll never find a better-tasting orange on the market. We'll be using the orange juice and orange slices for garnish. I like to use naval oranges instead of tiny mandarin oranges.
Salt
I know; what is salt doing in a mulled wine recipe? Trust me, some salt will wake up all the warm spices in this festive drink.
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How to Make Mulled Wine
I wanted my homemade mulled wine recipe to be easy and delicious, nothing too complicated. That's why it's a dump recipe. Dump everything into a pot, set a timer, then come back with a mug ready to drink.
- Heat a 5-quart pot over medium heat; add the Ruby Port.
- Add the apple cider.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, and mace.
- Add the salt.
- Add the orange peel.
- Add the orange juice. Stir and simmer gently for 20 minutes. Make sure the mixture doesn't boil.
Evenly divide warm wine among 12 cups, and garnish each with an orange slice.
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How To Store Mulled Wine
Mulled wine can be made three days in advance and stored in a covered gallon pitcher. Be sure to cool completely before placing it in the fridge. It is great 5 days after making it.
Reheat cold wine over medium heat for 10 minutes or less, depending on how much you're reheating.
Pro Recipe Substitution, Tips & Tricks
Here are the best practices, techniques, substitutes, and flavor builders you'll need for making mulled wine.
- If you want to make a non-alcoholic version. Use organic cranberry or grape juice instead of Ruby Port or red wine.
- Use a Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Malbec, Syrah instead of the Ruby Port.
- Do not use a Tawny Port for this recipe. Tawny's flavors are lost when cooked.
- You can use a white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Verdejo instead of red wine, but you'll be sacrificing flavor.
- Feel free to use apple juice as a swap for apple cider.
- 1 teaspoon of ground spices is the equivalent of 1 whole nutmeg or 1 whole cinnamon stick.
- If you cannot find mace, don't let that stop you from making the recipe.
- Be sure to remove the orange peel before juicing the orange.
- To make the mulled wine in a slow cooker or crock pot, Turn the heat to low on the crockpot, add all ingredients, and cook for 2-3 hours.
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FAQ
Here are the top questions readers have about making mulled wine.
What is the point of mulled wine?
During the Middle Ages, Europeans believed hot wine was a health elixir that would ward off sickness. They used herbs and flowers as natural sweeteners, transforming ordinary wines into a delightful treat.
Does mulling wine remove alcohol?
Mulling wine does not remove alcohol. However, it can reduce the alcohol content slightly. When you heat wine, some alcohol will evaporate due to its lower boiling point (around 173°F/78°C), but not all of it will completely disappear.
Suppose the wine is simmered at a low heat for a long time. In that case, more alcohol will evaporate compared to a short heating period at a higher temperature. But even with prolonged heating, a significant amount of alcohol remains. It's also important to note that adding spirits, like brandy, to mulled wine will increase the alcoholic content.
How do you heat wine without losing alcohol?
Alcohol begins to vaporize at 173°F/78°C to ensure that the wine does not evaporate: cook on low heat to avoid boiling the wine, or use a slow cooker or crock pot. It takes about 3 hours to cook out the alcohol altogether.
What is the best wine for mulling?
The best wine for mulling is a dry red or white wine with bold flavors and high tannins. Some popular options include Cabernet Sauvignon, Ruby Port, Merlot, Shiraz/Syrah, Malbec, and Garnacha/Grenache. These wines provide a good base for adding spices and sweeteners without being overwhelmed. Avoid using a sweet wine as they will make the mulled wine too sweet.
Can you use cheap wine for mulled wine?
Always choose a wine you enjoy drinking on its own, but it doesn't need to be expensive. A wine under $10 is often suggested. Avoid using wines that have high tannins, an oaky flavor, or are light reds. Remember, the goal is to enhance the flavors of the wine with your mulling spices, not to cover up a poor-quality wine.
Can you use any wine for mulled wine?
The best wines for mulled wine are dark, fruity, and medium to full-bodied. It's great if they're not too expensive since we'll add spices and heat the wine during the mulling process, which can overpower any subtle flavors in a high-quality wine. Use a wine you enjoy drinking, but don't splurge on an expensive bottle.
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More Holiday Drink Recipes
Here are a few more drinks to add to your rotation:
- New Orleans Eggnog
- Eggnog Daiquiris
- New Orleans Rum Punch
- Brandy Milk Punch
- Bloody Mary Cocktail
- Hurricane Drink
- Sazerac Cocktail
Before You Begin
Before getting started, here are the steps I use to get organized.
Step 1: Read the recipe one time through to make sure you know the steps.
Step 2: Get your measuring cups and big pot out.
Step 3: Start following the recipe and get ready for the best-mulled wine you've ever had.
The cold is in the air, and if you like red wine, warm spices, and a hint of sweetness, this recipe is perfect. Give this recipe a try—I promise you won't be disappointed! Don't forget to leave me a 5-star review if you love it.
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📖 Recipe
20-Minute Mulled Wine
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 750 ml bottles Ruby Port I used Dows Fine Ruby Port.
- 8 cups apple cider ½ gallon
- 4 star anise pods
- 4 sticks cinnamon
- 2 whole nutmegs
- 12 whole cloves
- ½ teaspoon mace
- 6 medium oranges
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat a 5-qt pot over medium heat; add the ruby port, apple cider, star anise pods, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, mace, peel of 4 oranges, juice of 4 oranges, and salt; stir once or twice; cook on med-low heat for 20 minutes. Make sure mixture doesn’t come to a boil.
- Evenly divide warm wine among 12 cups, and garnish each with orange slices.
Notes
- If you want to make a non-alcoholic version. Use organic cranberry or grape juice instead of Ruby Port or red wine.
- Use a Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Malbec, Syrah instead of the Ruby Port.
- Do not use a Tawny Port for this recipe. Tawny's flavors are lost when cooked.
- You can use a white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Verdejo instead of red wine, but you'll be sacrificing flavor.
- Feel free to use apple juice as a swap for apple cider.
- 1 teaspoon of ground spices is the equivalent of 1 whole nutmeg or 1 whole cinnamon stick.
- If you cannot find mace, don't let that stop you from making the recipe.
- Be sure to remove the orange peel before juicing the orange.
- To make the mulled wine in a slow cooker or crock pot, Turn the heat to low on the crockpot, add all ingredients, and cook for 2-3 hours.
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