Embrace the cozy comfort of winter with this easy mulled wine recipe, also known as glühwein. Perfect for holiday parties or quiet nights by the fire, this recipe offers a harmonious blend of spices and deep wine flavors that will warm you from the inside out.
Mulled wine is made on the stovetop with spices, red wine, and apple cider. The flavors beautifully, blend together, creating the perfect warm cocktail to enjoy by the fire.
You can also use my homemade mulling spices to make this recipe too.
For those fans of deep wine flavors, mulled wine offers the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and oaky. Even if you’re not usually a red wine drinker, mulled wine can transport you to its relaxing, full-bodied world. It’s almost like a warm version of sangria but filled with winter spices like cinnamon and cloves.
It’s perfect to serve if you’re hosting any fall or winter gathering, especially outside as a cup of this warms the soul. Another benefit is that it cooks very slowly on the stovetop and creates the most beautiful aromas throughout the house.
Why Mulled Wine?
Mulled wine combines the rich, full-bodied taste of red wine with sweet, spicy, and oaky undertones. It’s a festive twist on traditional sangria, filled with aromatic winter spices like cinnamon and cloves.
Ingredients in Mulled Wine
Red Wine – A cabernet is perfect. You don’t need a fancy bottle to make this.
Apple Cider – Pressed, organic apple cider without any added sugar is always best. It’s easy to find in the grocery store starting in September
Honey – We use honey as the sweetened for our recipe because it’s the best way to naturally sweeten the wine. It melts perfectly when simmered with the other ingredients.
Spices: Whole cloves and cinnamon sticks are essential.
Orange Zest and Juice – The orange zest adds so much flavor and scent. You will zest the orange first, then use that orange to squeeze fresh juice to add into the pot as well.
Simple Steps to Perfect Mulled Wine
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, mix all the ingredients.
- Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 30 minutes up to 4 hours, depending on how infused and flavorful you like your wine.
- Serve: Strain the wine and serve warm with additional orange slices and a cinnamon stick for garnish.
Serving Suggestions
Mulled wine is best enjoyed from mugs that keep your hands warm while sipping. Serve it at your next outdoor gathering or alongside holiday appetizers like cheese, nuts, and pies.
If you’re hosting a house party, you can serve wine directly from a pot or slow cooker and let guests ladle some for themselves. Or you can save it directly with appetizers like fresh cheese, toasted nuts, and mince pies.
FAQ: All About Mulled Wine
- What is Mulled Wine?: A traditional warm beverage made with red wine and spices, popular during winter in Europe and the US.
- Storage Tips: Cool and store in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove or in a slow cooker.
- Wine Selection: Full-bodied reds like Syrah or Malbec are ideal; for a twist, try an aromatic white like Riesling.
Try Different Variations
Explore variations like white mulled wine with added ginger, lemon, or even a splash of bourbon post-straining for an extra kick.
If you want to add bourbon, do it after the strained wine. Start with 1/4 cup bourbon, taste it, and decide if you want to add another 1/4 cup.
More Festive Recipes
Don’t stop at mulled wine – check out my recipes for sangrias and festive punches that are perfect for any holiday gathering.
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Easy Mulled Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 750 mil red wine, like cabernet
- 2 cups apple cider, pure apple cider
- 1/2 cup orange juice, freshly juiced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp cloves, whole
- 1/3 cup honey
Instructions
- Zest the outside of an orange, then cut it in half and squeeze the fresh juice.
- Combine all of the measured ingredients into a large sauce pot.
- Simmer for 30 minutes up to 4 hours.
- Strainer the mixture through a sieve into a serving bowl OR another pot that can be placed back on the stovetop.
- The reason for pouring it back into another pot is that you can quickly warm it up before serving.
- Add sliced oranges into the mulled wine and serve with a cinnamon stick.
