If you’re looking to cozy up with something fragrant, warm, and utterly irresistible this season, you’ve got to try this Winter Mulled Wine Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of spices, wine, and a touch of sweetness that sings of comfort in every sip. Perfect for chilly evenings, gathering with friends, or simply unwinding after a busy day, this classic drink will fill your home with an inviting aroma and your cup with holiday magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but every single one is essential in crafting that perfect Winter Mulled Wine Recipe. Each element brings its own special note to the symphony of flavors, from the spicy warmth of cinnamon and cloves to the bright citrus zing and rich, cozy wine base.
- 2 cinnamon sticks (about 3-4 inches each): Provides a deep, spicy warmth that’s classic to mulled wine.
- 1/4 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and a smooth, soothing finish.
- 1 orange (halved or quartered): Brightens the drink with fresh, zesty citrus notes.
- 2 cups apple cider (fresh cider preferred): Infuses a fruity depth and subtle sweetness.
- 4 green cardamom pods (crushed slightly): Release aromatic oils creating exotic, warm spice layers.
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional but recommended): Adds complexity and a touch of boozy richness.
- Orange slices for garnish (thinly sliced): A pretty, fragrant finishing touch.
- 1 whole star anise: Gives a unique licorice flavor that complements the wine perfectly.
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish: Enhance both aroma and presentation.
- 5 whole cloves (pierced into orange halves): Easy to remove and pack a powerful spicy punch.
- 750 ml dry red wine (full-bodied such as Burgundy or Côtes du Rhône): The rich wine base that ties all these flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Winter Mulled Wine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spices and Fruit
Start by slightly crushing the cardamom pods to release their fragrant oils and piercing the cloves into the orange halves so they can easily be fished out later. Quarter the orange and get your cinnamon sticks and star anise ready. This prep sets the stage for the aromatic fusion that makes mulled wine so enchanting.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Pot
Pour the red wine and apple cider into a large saucepan over low heat. Add your cinnamon sticks, star anise, cardamom pods, orange pieces with cloves, and honey. Stir gently to combine, making sure not to boil—heat is key here, but boiling can ruin the delicate flavors and alcohol content.
Step 3: Infuse and Simmer
Allow your mixture to warm slowly on low heat for about 20 to 30 minutes. This is where all those spices meld beautifully together creating that warm holiday aroma. If you’re using brandy, stir it in towards the end to preserve its rich character.
Step 4: Remove Spices and Serve
Once your mulled wine has reached its fragrant peak, carefully strain out the spices and orange pieces. Pour the mulled wine into mugs or heatproof glasses ready for garnishing and serving.
How to Serve Winter Mulled Wine Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Winter Mulled Wine Recipe isn’t just about looks—it’s about adding little bursts of extra flavor and a festive vibe. Thin orange slices placed gently on top add a fresh citrus scent, and a cinnamon stick stirs in additional spicy warmth throughout the experience.
Side Dishes
This drink pairs wonderfully with cozy winter snacks. Think along the lines of spiced nuts, gingerbread cookies, or a cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar and creamy brie. These bites balance the sweetness and spice of the mulled wine for a perfect tasting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra touch, serve your mulled wine in clear glass mugs to showcase its deep ruby color. Adding a star anise to each glass makes for an elegant, aromatic flourish. If you’re hosting, try serving it in a pretty ceramic pot on a warming stand to keep the party going all night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover mulled wine can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen but be sure to reheat gently to avoid boiling off the lovely spice notes.
Freezing
Freezing mulled wine isn’t usually recommended because the texture and flavor can change once thawed. Instead, enjoy it fresh or refrigerate any leftovers.
Reheating
To reheat, slowly warm the mulled wine on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Keep the temperature below simmer to preserve the aromas and alcohol content. Avoid microwaving, as it can unevenly heat and dull the complexity of flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of wine?
Absolutely! While a full-bodied dry red wine is ideal for this Winter Mulled Wine Recipe, you can experiment with medium-bodied wines. Just avoid very light or fruity wines as they may not hold up well against the spices.
Is it necessary to add brandy?
Brandy is optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of warmth and complexity. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the brandy and increase the apple cider slightly.
How spicy will this mulled wine be?
The spice level is balanced but present, thanks to cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, and cloves. If you desire more or less spice, feel free to adjust the quantity of cloves or cinnamon sticks to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe without honey?
You can swap honey for sugar or maple syrup if you prefer. Honey adds a subtle floral sweetness and viscosity that enhances the mouthfeel, but the alternative sweeteners will work fine too.
What is the best way to serve mulled wine at a party?
Serving the Winter Mulled Wine Recipe in a large, insulated slow cooker or a decorative pot on a warming stand allows guests to help themselves, keeps the wine warm, and creates a cozy centerpiece for your gathering.
Final Thoughts
This Winter Mulled Wine Recipe is one of those drinks that instantly makes any cold day feel special. The aroma alone can brighten your mood and the flavors wrap you up in warmth like a soft blanket. I encourage you to give this recipe a whirl—invite a few friends or enjoy it solo—and watch how it transforms your winter moments into memories worth savoring.
Print
Winter Mulled Wine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European
Description
Warm up your winter evenings with this cozy and aromatic Winter Mulled Wine recipe. Featuring a blend of cinnamon, honey, star anise, cardamom, cloves, and fresh orange, enhanced with apple cider and optional brandy for a touch of depth, this classic spiced wine is perfect for festive gatherings or quiet nights by the fire.
Ingredients
Spices & Aromatics
- 2 cinnamon sticks (about 3–4 inches each)
- 4 green cardamom pods (crushed slightly to release oils)
- 1 whole star anise
- 5 whole cloves (pierced into orange halves for easy removal)
Liquids
- 750 ml dry red wine (a full-bodied red like Burgundy or Côtes du Rhône works best)
- 2 cups apple cider (fresh cider preferred for better flavor)
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional but recommended for depth and warmth)
- 1/4 cup honey (adds warmth and subtle sweetness)
Fruits & Garnish
- 1 orange (halved or quartered, plus thin slices for garnish about 1/4-inch thick)
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Spices and Fruit: Lightly crush the cardamom pods to release their aroma. Pierce the cloves into the orange halves or quarters to make removal easy later. Slice additional thin orange rounds for garnish.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, add the red wine, apple cider, honey, cinnamon sticks, star anise, crushed cardamom pods, clove-studded orange, and brandy if using.
- Heat the Mulled Wine: Warm the mixture over low to medium heat, ensuring it never comes to a full boil to preserve the alcohol and flavors. Let it simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes to allow the spices to infuse fully.
- Adjust Sweetness and Flavor: Taste the mulled wine and adjust sweetness with additional honey if desired. Stir well to incorporate any added honey.
- Serve Warm: Remove the cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange halves. Ladle the mulled wine into heatproof glasses or mugs. Garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick and an orange slice for a festive touch.
Notes
- Keep the mulled wine on a very low simmer or warm it in a slow cooker to avoid boiling off the alcohol.
- You can customize sweetness by adjusting the honey amount or substituting with maple syrup.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the wine and brandy and increase apple cider, warming it with the same spices.
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor impact.
- Remove whole spices before serving to avoid an overpowering taste.
