Traditional (But Easy!) Mulled Wine Recipe

Mulled Wine is  a typically winter alcoholic drink made from red wine, sugar, citrus peel, apple peel, cinnamon sticks, star anise, nutmeg and cloves. It is a must-have preparation at Christmas market stalls throughout Europe, particularly in England, France (where the recipe also includes a drop of cognac) and Germany, called, respectively, mulled wine, vin chaud and  glühwein, but it's also widely served at American tables during Thanksgiving!

Thanks to the slow cooking, the wine will lose part of its alcoholic component, but, if you want a drink with a more intense flavor and a lower alcohol content, we suggest you keep it on the stove for at least half an hour. To eliminate a little more alcohol, some people use "burning" the mulled wine, bringing a flame close to the surface of the wine.

The result will be a real cure-all against the cold, a treat to enjoy in company as a digestive at the end of a meal, but also as an invigorating drink during brunch or as a natural remedy against a cold.

What is Mulled Wine? Origins and History

Its origins are rooted in ancient Greece, up to the Roman times when the conditium paradoxum was drunk, described by the gastronome Apicius in  De re coquinaria, as a drink based on wine sweetened with honey, heated several times and flavored with saffron, pepper, spikenard leaves and dates; once ready, it was traditional to offer it to guests at the end of lunch.

There are many variations of mulled wine, as well as many accompaniments: for example, in Germany it is consumed with spiced gingerbread cookies, while in France it is usually sipped with bredele, Alsatian shortcrust pastry biscuits. In Italy and in particular in Veneto it is made especially during  panevin, or the bonfire at the beginning of the year, together with pinza, a sweet focaccia prepared with polenta flour.

Pro Tips for The Best Mulled Wine

• Heat the wine gently, keeping it below boiling to preserve its alcohol content and prevent bitterness.
• Whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise provide a stronger and cleaner flavor than ground spices.
• Add sugar, honey, or brown sugar gradually, tasting as you go to avoid overly sweet wine.
• Use fresh orange slices and zest for brightness; avoid using the white pith, which can make the drink bitter.
• Allow the wine to simmer gently with the spices for at least 20–30 minutes for a rich, aromatic flavor.
• Add a splash of brandy, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier for extra depth and warmth.
• Remove spices and citrus peels to ensure a smooth and pleasant drinking experience.
• Use heatproof mugs or glasses to keep the mulled wine at the perfect temperature for sipping.

What is The Best Wine to Use in Mulled Wine?

The best wine for mulled wine is a dry, full-bodied red with fruity notes, like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Zinfandel. These wines balance well with the spices and sweetness, creating a rich and flavorful drink. Avoid expensive or overly tannic wines, as the spices and sweetness will mask their complexity.

Is Mulled Wine Very Alcoholic or Does Mulling Wine Remove Alcohol?

Mulled wine retains most of its alcohol if heated gently, as mulling doesn’t reach boiling temperatures. However, prolonged simmering or boiling can reduce the alcohol content. To keep it moderately alcoholic, ensure it stays below boiling while warming.

How Do I Keep Mulled Wine Warm?

To keep mulled wine warm, use a slow cooker set to the "warm" setting or transfer it to an insulated carafe. Alternatively, keep it on the stovetop over very low heat, ensuring it doesn’t boil. Stir occasionally to distribute the warmth evenly.

Mulled Wine Variations

You can try variations like white mulled wine, using dry white wine with citrus and light spices; spiced cider mulled wine, combining apple cider with red wine; or non-alcoholic mulled wine, using grape juice or cranberry juice. Add unique flavors like vanilla, cardamom, or ginger, or experiment with liqueurs like brandy or amaretto for a richer taste.

What Does Mulled Wine Taste Like?

Mulled wine tastes warm, sweet, and spiced, with hints of citrus and a cozy kick from the wine’s depth. It’s like a richer, more aromatic version of sangria, served hot, and shares similarities with spiced cider but has a wine base instead of apples. The blend of spices creates a comforting holiday feel.

Can I Make Mulled Wine Ahead of Time and Then Reheat It?

Yes, mulled wine can be made ahead of time. Prepare it, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.

Reheat gently over low heat, avoiding boiling, to preserve the flavor and alcohol content.

Can I Freeze Mulled Wine?

Mulled wine can be frozen, but it’s not ideal as freezing can alter the flavors and texture. If you choose to freeze it, let it cool completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to restore its warmth and aroma.

More Holiday Drinks You'll Want to Prepare

Classic Eggnog

Holiday Punch

Irish Cream

Mulled Cider

Coquito

Peppermint Mocha

Moscow Mule

How to Store Mulled Wine

Store leftover mulled wine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a slow cooker, avoiding boiling to preserve the flavors and alcohol.

How to Make Mulled Wine

Using a vegetable peeler, remove the lemon and orange zest and the red apple peel. The important thing is that they are very thin and, in the case of citrus fruits, that they do not have the white part, called pith, which could give the drink a bitter taste. Always choose untreated fruit, preferably organic.

Collect the sugar, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves and grated nutmeg in a pan, preferably steel.

Combine the citrus peel and the apple peel, then pour in the wine.

Bring to the boil and let it cook on low heat for 15 minutes. If you prefer to lower the alcohol content even more and obtain a more intense flavor, you can extend the cooking time up to 30 minutes.

Pour the mulled wine into individual glasses, garnish with a slice of lemon, a piece of star anise and a cinnamon stick, then enjoy it in all its goodness.