Winter is finally here and calling for cozy, warming drinks. This classic mulled wine is your new favorite holiday tradition. It makes your whole house smell absolutely incredible while it simmers. You can whip this up in just 25 minutes for your next gathering.
It is the perfect way to welcome guests on a chilly evening. Everyone will love the warm and zesty flavors in every sip. You only need a few simple ingredients to get started right now.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Mulled Wine
This recipe is much better than any store-bought spice mix. You get to control the sweetness and spice levels yourself. It is a budget-friendly way to serve a large crowd at once. You only need one large pot for the entire process.
It is the ultimate comfort drink for a snowy night at home. The brandy adds a lovely and warming finish to the wine. You will feel like a professional host with almost zero stress. This drink is truly holiday magic in a mug.
The Easy Process
Everything simmers together slowly on your stovetop for the best results. There is no complicated kitchen equipment required for this recipe. Just remember to keep the heat low and steady. You want a gentle simmer to extract all those beautiful spice notes.
What You’ll Need
- 750 ml dry red wine
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 8 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brandy
Step-by-Step Directions
- Combine wine, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and sweetener in a large non-reactive pot.
- Heat over medium heat until the liquid reaches a gentle simmer, ensuring it does not boil to prevent alcohol evaporation.
- Reduce heat to low and maintain a bare simmer for 20 minutes to allow spice infusion.
- Remove from heat and stir in the brandy.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into heat-proof mugs.
- Garnish with additional cinnamon sticks or orange slices and serve immediately.
Best Ways to Enjoy
Serve this drink in clear, heat-proof mugs for a beautiful look. This shows off the deep red color and the citrus slices. Add a fresh cinnamon stick for a fragrant garnish in every cup. Pair it with dark chocolate or spicy ginger cookies. It is perfect for festive entertaining by a warm fireplace.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftovers in a glass jar or airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days maximum. Reheat it slowly on the stovetop when you are ready. Do not let it boil during the second heating process. This preserves the delicate spice notes and the alcohol content. It is a great make-ahead option for busy holiday parties.
Pro Tips
- Use a non-reactive pot like stainless steel to avoid metallic tastes.
- Don’t skip the brandy for that extra layer of warmth.
- Avoid boiling the wine to keep the alcohol from evaporating.
- Choose a fruit-forward red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel.
- Add fresh whole spices for the most vibrant holiday aroma.
- Prepare this ahead of time to save stress during your party.
- Garnish with a fresh orange slice for a bright citrus pop.
- Strain the wine carefully to remove all small spice bits.
Make It Your Own
- Try white wine for a lighter and more floral twist.
- Use apple cider for a delicious non-alcoholic family version.
- Add a slice of fresh ginger for extra zingy heat.
- Swap honey for agave syrup to keep the recipe vegan.
Common Questions
What wine is best?
A dry and fruity red wine works best for this recipe. Look for a Merlot or a Zinfandel at your store. Avoid heavy tannins which can become bitter when they are heated.
Can I make it ahead?
You can definitely prepare this a few hours early for guests. Simply keep it on the lowest heat setting on your stove. This ensures the flavors stay bright until you are ready to serve.
How do I know it’s done?
The wine will be very fragrant and dark in color. It should be hot to the touch but not bubbling. The whole spices will look slightly darker after the infusion.
I hope this warming drink brings joy to your winter evenings. It is the perfect companion for a cozy night in by the fire. Grab a mug and enjoy the holiday season!
— Emily
Ingredients
Method
- Combine wine, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and sweetener in a large non-reactive pot.
- Heat over medium heat until the liquid reaches a gentle simmer, ensuring it does not boil to prevent alcohol evaporation.
- Reduce heat to low and maintain a bare simmer for 20 minutes to allow spice infusion.
- Remove from heat and stir in the brandy.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into heat-proof mugs.
- Garnish with additional cinnamon sticks or orange slices and serve immediately.
