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–+ servings
Warm mulled wine served in clear glass mugs on a blue and white holiday tablescape with cinnamon and citrus.
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5 (2 ratings)

Easy Spiced Mulled Wine

This Easy Spiced Mulled Wine is a cozy holiday drink made with red wine, warm spices, citrus, and a touch of sweetness. It comes together in minutes and fills your home with the most festive aroma. Perfect for entertaining or sipping by the fire on a chilly night, this simple mulled wine recipe is comforting, delicious, and always a crowd favorite.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: German
Servings: 6
Author: Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack | Muy Bueno

Ingredients

  • 1 (750-ml) bottle dry red wine (recommended Cabernet Sauvignon) 
  • 1/2 cup cognac orange liqueur or apple cider 
  • 1 apple sliced
  • 1 orange or 2 tangerines sliced
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 star anise
  • 3 cloves
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey (optional)

Instructions

  • Place all the ingredients into a pot and stir to combine on medium heat. To store leftovers, allow the wine to come to room temperature and strain fruit and spices. I like to pour in a mason jar and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Heat until the wine just reaches a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the wine simmer for at least 15 minutes. (Avoid letting it boil — you don’t want to boil off the alcohol or become bitter).
  • Keep warm in a slow cooker for up to 3 hours.
  • Serve warm in mugs or glasses with some of the cooked fruit and spices.

Notes

  • I used an inexpensive bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, but Merlot, Malbec, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, or any red blend works beautifully.
  • You can also use boxed wine if serving a crowd. One box equals about four 750-ml bottles.
  • Add a splash of cognac, Cointreau, Triple Sec, or any orange liqueur for extra warmth and citrus notes.
  • For the same flavor without the added alcohol, replace orange liqueur with apple cider.
  • Keep the heat low to avoid boiling off the alcohol and to help the spices gently infuse the wine.
  • Sweeten to taste. Some wines are naturally sweeter than others, so start with less honey and adjust as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 107kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 66IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg