How to Make Mulled Wine at Home

There’s something magical about a mug of steaming mulled wine. Aromatic, warming, and packed with flavor, it’s the kind of drink that instantly evokes cozy winter nights, festive gatherings, and European Christmas markets.

While it’s a seasonal staple in many cultures, the good news is that you don’t have to wait for a holiday fair or a special event—you can make mulled wine at home, and it’s surprisingly simple.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply want to treat yourself on a cold evening, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect batch of mulled wine—from choosing the right ingredients to customizing it to your taste.

What Is Mulled Wine?

Mulled wine is red wine heated gently with spices and fruit, often sweetened with sugar or honey. The concept dates back to the Roman Empire, but it became a winter tradition in many European countries, including Germany (Glühwein), Sweden (Glögg), and the UK.

The key components are:

• Red wine (the base)

• Warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise

• Citrus fruits, typically orange or lemon

• Sweetener, often sugar, honey, or maple syrup

• Optional liquor like brandy or port for extra depth

The result is a fragrant, spiced beverage that warms the body and soothes the soul.

Choosing the Right Wine

The best wines for mulling are inexpensive, fruity red wines with medium body and low tannins. You don’t need a fancy bottle—once the spices, fruit, and heat are added, the wine’s subtleties get lost. However, it’s still important to choose a wine you’d enjoy drinking.

Ideal Wine Types:

• Merlot – soft and fruit-forward

• Zinfandel – jammy with a spice-friendly character

• Grenache – bright and red-fruited

• Cabernet Franc – lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon, with herbal notes

• Shiraz (Syrah) – for a spicier, fuller-bodied version

Avoid wines that are heavily oaked or overly dry, as these can turn bitter when heated.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the core ingredients for a classic mulled wine recipe:

1. Red Wine

• One standard 750ml bottle.

2. Spices

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 4–6 whole cloves

• 2 star anise

• 1/2 tsp whole black peppercorns (optional for complexity)

• Nutmeg (a few shavings) – optional but adds richness

3. Citrus

• 1 orange, sliced into rounds

• Optional: zest of 1 lemon for added brightness

4. Sweetener

• 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste

• Brown sugar works especially well for deeper flavor

5. Additional Liquor (Optional)

• 1/4 cup brandy, port, or orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau

• This boosts both flavor and alcohol content

Classic Mulled Wine Recipe (Serves 4–6)

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine (750ml)

• 1 orange, sliced into rounds

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 4 cloves

• 2 star anise

• 1/4 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)

• Optional: 1/4 cup brandy

• Optional: a few slices of fresh ginger

• Garnishes: Orange peel, star anise, or cinnamon sticks

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients in a Pot
   Pour the wine into a large saucepan or stockpot. Add the sliced orange, spices, and sweetener. If using brandy or ginger, add them here.

2. Gently Heat
   Warm over medium-low heat until it’s steaming but not boiling. Boiling can cook off the alcohol and give the wine a bitter taste. The sweet spot is around 160°F (70°C).

3. Simmer and Steep
   Reduce the heat to low and let the wine simmer gently for 15 to 30 minutes. This allows the spices to infuse into the wine.

4. Strain and Serve
   Use a fine mesh strainer or slotted spoon to remove the solids. Ladle the mulled wine into mugs.

5. Garnish
   Add a cinnamon stick, orange slice, or star anise to each cup for a festive presentation.

Tips for Success

Don’t Boil

Once alcohol boils (173°F / 78°C), it begins to evaporate quickly. Keep the heat low and slow to preserve flavor and structure.

Adjust Sweetness to Taste

Start with a smaller amount of sweetener and add more gradually. Everyone’s preference varies, and some wines are naturally fruitier than others.

Use Whole Spices

Avoid ground spices, which can make your drink gritty or cloudy. Whole spices infuse gently and are easy to remove.

Let It Sit (Optional)

For deeper flavor, you can let the spiced wine steep off the heat for up to an hour, then rewarm it before serving.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, consider experimenting with regional or creative twists:

1. White Mulled Wine

• Use a dry white like Riesling or Pinot Grigio

• Swap in apples and pears for citrus

• Add vanilla bean and cardamom

2. Cranberry Mulled Wine

• Add 1/2 cup fresh cranberries

• Use orange juice and zest

• Boost with cranberry liqueur

3. Spicy Mulled Wine

• Add a sliced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne

• Include ginger for extra heat

4. Nordic Glögg

• Use red wine + port or aquavit

• Add almonds, raisins, and cardamom

• Serve with gingerbread cookies

Mulled wine is highly customizable, and part of the joy is making it your own.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (unlikely!), you can store mulled wine in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat until warm.

• Avoid microwaving as it heats unevenly and may ruin the texture and flavor.

Some people say mulled wine tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld.

Serving Suggestions

Mulled wine shines best when served in heatproof mugs or glass tumblers. For a festive look, garnish with:

• A twist of orange peel

• A cinnamon stick stirrer

• Floating star anise or cloves

Pair it with:

• Holiday cookies

• Cheese boards

• Spiced nuts

• Chocolate desserts

It’s also perfect as a welcome drink at a holiday party or winter dinner gathering.

A Tradition Worth Keeping

Making mulled wine at home is more than just preparing a beverage—it’s a ritual that taps into centuries of tradition, seasonal nostalgia, and sensory pleasure. The scent of spices drifting through the kitchen, the clink of mugs, and the warmth it brings to your hands and heart make it a standout experience every time.

With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you can transform an ordinary bottle of wine into something extraordinary. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or create your own signature twist, mulled wine is a simple joy that brings comfort and connection—one cup at a time.