Description
A festive and aromatic mulled wine recipe that combines red wine, citrus, and warming spices for the ultimate cozy winter drink perfect for holidays or quiet evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bottle of red wine (750ml) – Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Shiraz
- 1 large orange, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 fresh lemon, sliced
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks
- 4–5 whole cloves
- 2–3 star anise
- ¼ cup sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup apple cider (optional)
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Optional garnish: orange slices, fresh cranberries, apple stars, extra cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Combine wine, orange and lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and nutmeg in a large non-reactive saucepan.
- Add sugar or honey and stir to dissolve.
- Warm gently over medium heat, avoiding boiling to preserve alcohol and flavor.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or add a splash of brandy if desired.
- Strain the mulled wine into mugs or a heatproof pitcher to remove solids.
- Serve warm and garnish with orange slices, cranberries, or a cinnamon stick.
Notes
Keep heat low to prevent boiling. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute grape juice or pomegranate juice for wine. Use whole spices for cleaner flavor extraction.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 oz
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 7mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: mulled wine, holiday drink, red wine, winter beverage, spiced wine