There’s nothing quite like a steaming cup of mulled wine to wrap you in comfort during cold winter days. This traditional holiday drink is a delightful blend of rich red wine, infused with warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise. Each sip offers a balance of sweet and spicy notes, enhanced by the burst of citrus from oranges and lemons.
I fell in love with this drink when I was living back in the UK, where I’ve been served a warm mug of mulled wine in nearly all Christmas markets, holiday gatherings and food festivals we attend. It’s the cosiest drink I’ve ever had. And it’s incredibly easy to make at home! It takes just 5 minutes to prep, and it’ll be ready in 20 minutes over the stovetop. You can also customise it with your own choice of wine, spices, sweeteners, and fruits! So make your own cosy festive drink with this recipe, and warm everyone up on a chilly winter night.
Table of contents
Ingredients for mulled wine
- Red wine: This is the base that will influence the final flavour of your mulled wine. There’s no need to use any expensive wines, so stick to something in the mid-range price. Pick a dry red wine that is fruity and full-bodied to complement with the spices, e.g., Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Grenache.
- Fresh oranges and lemons: These add a citrusy brightness and a refreshing tang for a festive touch.
- Mulling spices: I used a combination of star anise, cardamom, and cinnamon sticks. Cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger are also commonly used for making mulled wine. Be sure to start with smaller amounts, as some spices can be quite strong. You can always add more to taste.
- Sugar: As a sweetener.
How to make mulled wine
- Combine all the ingredients in a pot and give it a stir.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat. Do not let it boil, as it will evaporate the alcohol and alter the flavour.
- Once it’s warm, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Strain the mulled wine through a fine mesh sieve to remove the solids. Serve warm in mugs or glasses. Garnish with extra orange and lemon slices, or spices, if desired.
Success tips for making mulled wine
Use fresh spices.
Freshly ground spices can significantly enhance the aroma and taste. If using whole spices, crush them slightly to release more flavor.
Don’t overheat.
Heat the wine gently to avoid boiling. High temperatures can evaporate the alcohol and change the flavor profile.
Taste and adjust.
Always taste your mulled wine during the process. Spices like star anise, cloves, and cardamom have a strong unique flavour, so start with one piece and taste as you go. Adjust sweetness and citrus to achieve your desired flavor.
Popular substitutions and additions
- Use honey or maple syrup: Substitute granulated sugar for a natural sweetener.
- Cardamom for cloves: I realised I didn’t have any cloves at home so I used tsaoko (草果, Chinese black cardamom) instead. If using cloves, these have a potent, slightly sweet and peppery flavour that can dominate if used in excess, so a little goes a long way.
- Add in fresh apples and pears: For extra sweetness and textures. You can also add in apple cider for enhanced complexity, and brighten the mulled wine with fruity notes!
- A splash of brandy, rum, or orange liqueur: For an enhanced flavour.
FAQs
Can this be non-alcoholic?
You can substitute the wine with grape juice, apple cider, or a non-alcoholic red wine alternative, adding the same spices and fruits.
What pairs well with mulled wine?
Mulled wine pairs beautifully with cheese platters, roasted meats, holiday cookies, and spiced nuts.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days. Reheat gently before serving.
Celebrate the holidays with this mulled wine recipe. It’s the perfect companion for cozy evenings with friends, festive gatherings, or a quiet night in.
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Mulled Wine
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of red wine (750ml Merlot)
- 1 orange sliced
- ½ lemon sliced
- 4 star anise
- 4 cardamom
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the red wine, sliced orange and lemon, star anise, cardamom, cinnamon sticks, and sugar. Give it a stir.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat. Do not let it boil, as it will evaporate the alcohol and alter the flavour.
- Once it’s warm, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld together.
- Do a taste test – add more sugar or spices if desired.
- Strain the mulled wine through a fine mesh sieve to remove the solids. Serve warm in mugs or glasses. Garnish with extra orange and lemon slices, or spices, if desired.