This easy mulled wine recipe is a classic holiday drink. Red wine is heated with orange, spices and maple syrup, and with a touch of brandy, for a cozy and warming drink for adults only! Instructions included for both Slow cooker and stovetop methods.
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The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.
As the holiday season approaches, there's no better way to unwind and get cozy than with some homemade mulled wine. It's so easy to make from scratch and it's perfect for all of your Christmas parties.
Red wine is seasoned with cinnamon, orange, whole cloves, and star anise and sweetened with a little maple syrup for a warming alcoholic drink.
I've included instructions for both the Crockpot and stovetop, both methods are very straightforward. Your only regret will be that you didn't make double!
Be sure to try my Sangria and Jamaican Sorrel too!
How to make holiday mulled wine
- Gather your ingredients and spices. I only use three kinds of whole spices in my mulled wine.
- Use a peeler and strip a few slices of the orange peel from the orange. Cut the orange in half and juice the orange.
- Add wine, juice from the orange, orange peel, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and maple syrup to a 4-quart saucepan and place over medium heat. When the mixture begins to lighlty bubble, reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight fitting lid. I do this when I see one or two bubbles.
- Allow to cook over low heat with the lid on for about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and pour the liquid into a fine mesh strainer that has been placed over a bowl. Discard the whole spices and orange peel.
- Serve the wine in mugs. Enjoy!
Can you make mulled wine in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily make this holiday drink in your Crockpot too! It's a great option if you want to make it ahead of a party. Follow the stovetop instructions, but place on low heat in the slow cooker for 1 to 2 hours. The full instructions can be found at the bottom of the post.
Can you reheat mulled wine?
Yes! Mulled wine can be made up to 3 days ahead of time, so feel free to double the recipe! Once it has been made and strained, let it cool and keep it in a container in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stovetop to warm through before serving.
Can you drink it cold?
Mulled wine is best served warm, it can still be drunk cold if you like, but the flavors of the spices will be a lot less subtle.
This holiday wine drink is best served in ceramic or porcelain mugs, so that you can drink it without your hands becoming too hot. Glass mugs will also work well.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Use a bold and fruity wine to make this recipe. A Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz are all great choices. The wine doesn't have to be expensive, but use one you would normally drink.
- Don't be tempted to add more spices, or the finished drink can be quite overpowering.
- The maple syrup can be substituted for honey or brown sugar.
- Make sure that you don't bring the wine to a boil. Alcohol evaporates at 172 degrees Fahrenheit (78°C) which could result in less potent wine and a bitter drink.
More Drinks Recipes
Holiday Mulled Wine
Ingredients
- 1 750 milliliter bottle of wine Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
- 1 medium orange rinsed and dried
- ½ Tablespoon whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole star anise
- 2 Tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 Tablespoons brandy
Instructions
Stovetop:
- Use a peeler and strip a few slices of the orange peel from the orange. Cut the orange in half and juice the orange.
- Add wine, juice from the orange, orange peel, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and maple syrup to a 4-quart saucepan and place over medium heat. When the mixture begins to lightly bubble, reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight fitting lid.
- Allow to simmer over low with the lid on for about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and pour the liquid into a fine mesh strainer that has been placed over a bowl. Discard the whole spices and orange peel. Serve the wine in mugs. Enjoy!
Slow cooker:
- Use a peeler and strip a few slices of the orange peel. Cut the orange in half and juice the orange.
- Add wine, juice from the orange,orange peel, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and maple ingredients in a 4-quart slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 1-2 hours. When ready to serve, pour the liquid into a fine mesh strainer that has been placed over a bowl. Discard the whole spices and orange peel. Serve the wine in mugs. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use a bold and fruity wine to make this recipe. A Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz are all great choices. The wine doesn't have to be expensive, but use one you would normally drink.
- Don't be tempted to add more spices, or the finished drink can be quite overpowering.
- The maple syrup can be substituted for honey or brown sugar.
- Make sure that you don't bring the wine to a boil. Alcohol evaporates at 172 degrees Fahrenheit (78°C) which could result in less potent wine and a bitter drink.
Larry Pearson says
I'm partial to decent red blends rather than most varietals. I find that you can get some very good red blends for under $10 for a 750 ml bottle. I've also found a very few that were undrinkable for me, but that's not much different, if any, from varietals. I've also had a few Zinfandels that I think would be good with your recipe.
Jean Miller says
This sounds just what I was looking for for my holiday get together and I am looking forward to trying it. Being a non-drinker myself is there a certain flavor Brandy you recommend? Thanks!
Tanya says
Hi Jean, I use E&J for brandy for this recipe.