• About
  • Browse Recipes
  • Recipe Index

Main Navigation

  • Recipe Index
  • About

The Forked Spoon

Eat Healthy • Adventure Often

  • Browse Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Salads
  • Soups
  • Sides
  • Dinners
  • Desserts
  • By Diet

Home » Drinks + Smoothies » Mulled Wine Recipe

Mulled Wine Recipe

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon Jessica Randhawa
October 21, 2021
4.86 from 345 votes


Last Updated October 21, 2021 | 8 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

19.3K shares
jump to recipe

Mulled Wine is a traditional holiday drink made with red wine, brandy, and mulling spices like cloves, star anise, and cinnamon. It’s delicious, cozy, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.

Two glass mugs filled with mulled wine sitting on top of a wooden table

Cooler temperatures are here and the holidays are fast approaching, cozy up with a cup (or two) of this warm spiced wine.

What is Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine, in its simplest form, is a wine that has been spiced, sweetened, and served warm- usually with some sort of hard liquor.

In Germany, mulled wine is known as Gluhwein or “glow wine” and is made with a shot of rum or amaretto. In Prague, the beautiful city where I had my first mulled wine experience, it is called svařák and while everyone in Prague has their own unique twist on this festive drink, it is most commonly served without the addition of additional liquor. Head over to Sweden and you’ll get Gløgg- a wine made with blanched almonds, raisins, cardamom, and typically more sugar.

While the foundation for mulled wine is the same no matter where you go, the regional differences give each their own unique taste and flavor.

Ingredients in Mulled Wine

  • Wine. The most important ingredient. You can use red or white wine, but it’s traditionally made with an inexpensive red wine.
  • Liquor (optional). Similar to sangria, mulled wine really loves a little brandy. However, feel free to pick your favorite liquor- rum, vodka, brandy- or leave it out altogether.
  • Oranges. Oranges are the classic addition to mulled wine, but feel free to include clementines or lemons (or both!).
  • Fruit. I went a little rogue with this recipe and added fresh cranberries and blackberries. The blackberries, in particular, added really nice sweet berry notes.
  • Whole spices. Although it differs from region to region, there are three must-have spices in any warm and toasty wine (according to me)- whole cloves, star anise, and whole cinnamon sticks. Add whatever you have on hand, but take care to remove all spices (especially those little cloves) before serving.
  • Sweetener. I used maple syrup, but brown sugar, granulated sugar, or honey would also work. Of course, feel free to skip the added sugar. 
Overhead image of orange slices, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, whole star anise, blackberries, and cranberries.

How to make Mulled Wine

Stovetop Method:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a pot or saucepan set over medium heat. 
  2. Gently bring the wine to a low simmer over medium-low heat. Do not boil. Heat for approximately 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. To serve, carefully ladle into the desired number of serving glasses. Leave the spices behind for re-use.
  4. Garnish with additional fruit, if desired.

Slow Cooker/Crockpot Method:

  1. Add all of the ingredients to a 4-quart slow cooker.
  2. Cover and heat on LOW for 1 hour, or until the wine is warm throughout.
  3. Ladle into glasses leaving behind any spices.
  4. Garnish with fruit, if desired.
Spiced Mulled Wine in a cast iron skillet with blackberries, cranberries, oranges, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and bourbon.

Does Mulled Wine Have Alcohol?

Yes. Mulled wine is warm spice-infused wine.

Many mulled wine recipes (like this one) often include liquor like brandy, vodka, or rum, thus making mulled wine even more potent. The key to maintaining alcohol in mulled wine is to avoid boiling for prolonged periods of time. A few seconds of boiling will not boil away all the alcohol in your mulled wine; however, it’s best to keep it at a low simmer. The idea is to get the wine warm enough so that the spices and fruit can infuse into the wine, but not so warm that it starts to boil.

Tips and Tricks

Avoid over-spicing. There’s a reason why soups, stews, and yes, mulled wine, only call for a couple of cinnamon sticks or whole star anise…these spices are potent. A couple of each is all you’ll need.
Do not drink or eat the spices. Instead, leave them behind in the pot. They’re good for 2-3 more rounds of wine.
Avoid boiling. Boiling for longer than a few seconds and you’ll quickly decrease the overall alcohol content of your spiced wine.
Add some cider! Adding apple juice or apple cider is a great way to sweeten it up without adding sugar. Start with 1 cup.
Make it in a slow cooker. It’s easier.

Glass of mulled wine garnished with orange, cinnamon stick, and cranberries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between wine and mulled wine?

Mulled wine is made with red wine, whereas red wine is simply just red wine. Typically, mulled wine is served warm and is made with red wine combined with brandy, oranges, or orange juice, and spices like whole cloves, whole cinnamon sticks, and star anise.

Can mulled wine get you drunk?

Yes, but it depends on several factors, most important, however, is how fast you drink and refill your mug with more mulled wine and how long/intensely it’s been warming. Boiling mulled wine and/or simmering for long periods of time will decrease the overall alcohol content. So, if you’re looking to get buzzed, avoid prolonged periods of boiling.

What kind of wine for mulled wine?

Any dark, fruity, and full-bodied red wine with high alcohol content. Wines like Merlot, Zinfandel, and Grenache are all great options.

How to store mulled wine?

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight jar or container. Keep stored in the refrigerator until ready to reheat.

How long does mulled wine last?

For 3-5 days.

Can mulled wine be reheated?

Yes. It can be reheated on the stovetop over low heat until warm or in the slow cooker on LOW until reheated.

Two clear glasses filled with mulled wine and garnished with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and blackberries.

More Delicious Cocktail Recipes,

  • Rosemary Brown Derby (Bourbon and Grapefruit Cocktail)
  • Blackberry Cranberry Moscow Mule
  • How to Make a Gin and Tonic
  • Cucumber Rosemary Gin and Tonic
  • Affogato Recipe (Espresso Ice Cream)
  • Holiday Peppermint White Russian

Have you tried making this Mulled Wine Recipe?

Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me #theforkedspoon on Instagram if you’ve made any of my recipes, I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.

Spiced Mulled Wine with Cranberries and Blackberries

Spiced Mulled Wine Recipe

4.86 from 345 votes
Chef: Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa
Mulled Wine is a traditional holiday beverage made with red wine and mulling spices. Delicious, cozy, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out, mulled wine is basically everything you want in life come Christmas time.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine American, European
Servings 4 servings
Calories 218 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 bottle red wine - 750ml of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, or Grenache
  • ½ cup brandy
  • 1 orange - sliced
  • ½ cup fresh cranberries - halved
  • ½ cup blackberries
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 2 whole star anise
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 2 tablespoon maple syrup - or brown sugar
  • Additional blackberries - cranberries and orange peels/slices, for serving
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions
 

Stovetop

  • Combine all ingredients in a (non-aluminum) pot or saucepan set over medium heat. 
  • Gently bring the wine to a low simmer over medium-low heat- do not boil as this will boil off all the alcohol. Heat for approximately 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • To serve, carefully ladle the mulled wine into the desired number of serving glasses, leaving spices behind for re-use.
  • Garnish with additional orange slices, blackberries, and cranberries, if desired.

Slow Cooker

  • Add all ingredients to a 4-quart slow cooker. Cover and set your slow cooker to LOW heat. Warm for approximately 1 hour, or until wine is warm throughout. Ladle into glasses leaving behind any spices.

Jessica’s Notes

Originally published November 28, 2018

Nutritional Information

Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 88mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 75IU | Vitamin C: 15.3mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 0.5mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword how to make mulled wine, Mulled Wine, Mulled Wine Recipe
Did You Make This Recipe? Tag it Today!Mention @theforkedspoon or tag #theforkedspoon and please leave your star rating in the comment section below.

About Jessica

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

19.3K shares
Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

About Jessica Randhawa

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

Comments

  1. Victoria Slykhuis says

    December 21, 2022 at 12:47 pm

    Can you add apple cider as well, if so how much?

    Reply
    • Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa says

      December 21, 2022 at 1:10 pm

      You can, but I would only add as much as you like to your own taste – so start slow when adding 🙂

      Reply
  2. Haley-Jo Kenny says

    December 11, 2021 at 2:52 pm

    Hi. What size bottle of red wine does this recipe call for?

    Reply
    • Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa says

      December 11, 2021 at 11:48 pm

      750ml 🙂

      Reply
  3. Anne says

    January 12, 2021 at 11:31 pm

    can i use sweet wine to make mulled wine

    Reply
    • Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa says

      January 13, 2021 at 9:47 am

      Yes, you can use sweet wine Anne – the mulled wine will be a bit sweeter than a traditional version made with dry wine 🙂

      Reply
  4. Kim says

    October 5, 2020 at 1:48 pm

    5 stars
    Love your dark moody photography!!

    Reply
    • Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa says

      October 5, 2020 at 2:31 pm

      Thanks Kim 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

I’m Jessica! Aka mom, wife, chef, and travel-obsessed photographer. Welcome to The Forked Spoon. Here you can browse hundreds of incredible family-friendly recipes covering dozens of diets, courses, and cuisines. Learn more about me.

Reader Favorites

  • Perfect, clear, beef bone broth in a large stockpot. Bone Broth Recipe (How to Make Bone Broth)
  • A large white bowl filled with creamy potato salad and garnished with chopped parsley. Easy Creamy Potato Salad Recipe
  • A close up of a bowl Chimichurri Chimichurri Recipe (How to Make Chimichurri Sauce)
  • White bowl filled with homemade chicken soup. The Best Chicken Soup Recipe
  • Acai bowl topped with fresh fruit and granola. Acai Bowl Recipe – How to Make Your Own Acai Bowl
  • Bok Choy being cooked in a wok with a spoonful of garlic sauce 10 Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe
Logo of The Forked Spoon by Jessica Randhawa
The Forked Spoon has been featured on Yahoo, CountryLiving, MSN, Cosmopolitan, USA Today, and Parade
  • About
  • Browse Recipes
  • Contact
  • Accessibility Statement

Copyright © 2023 · The Forked Spoon LLC • Disclosure