Spiced Mulled Wine : Warm, Cozy, Holiday Classic

I’m about to share my absolute favorite cold-weather secret that’ll transform your entire winter experience, and honestly, it’s so simple you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it every single night.

There’s something magical that happens when red wine meets cinnamon, cloves and a splash of brandy. Spiced mulled wine. Delicious!

The aroma alone will have your neighbors knocking on your door!

But here’s the thing most people get completely wrong about mulled wine, and it’s probably why yours never tastes quite right.

Traditional Winter Warming Beverage

The tradition of mulled wine goes way back to ancient Rome, where they called it “conditum paradoxum” which sounds way fancier than it actually was. Romans figured out that adding spices and honey to their wine not only made it taste incredible but also helped ward off the winter blues and maybe even some nasty bugs going around.

The drink spread throughout Europe over the centuries, with each country putting its own spin on the recipe, from Germany’s famous Glühwein to Scandinavia’s Glögg. It’s like the ultimate comfort food that traveled the world and made friends everywhere it went!

What makes mulled wine work so beautifully is the way all those flavors meld together when heated gently, creating something that’s way more than the sum of its parts. The alcohol from the wine and brandy warms you from the inside out, while the cinnamon adds sweetness and spice, the cloves bring depth and the star anise contributes this amazing licorice-like note that makes everything pop.

The orange slices not only smell absolutely divine but also add a bright citrusy note that cuts through all that richness… it’s like having a warm hug in a mug that also happens to make you feel a little tipsy and a lot happier!

Tips To Make Spiced Mulled Wine Perfectly At Home

Making perfect mulled wine at home is easier than you think once you know the insider secrets.

• Don’t boil the wine: Simmering is your friend here because boiling will cook off all that precious alcohol and leave you with expensive grape juice. Keep it at a gentle bubble and your guests will thank you.
• Toast your spices first: Give those cinnamon sticks and cloves a quick dry toast in your pot before adding the wine. This simple step releases way more flavor than just dumping everything in together.
• Use decent wine but not your best bottle: Save the expensive stuff for drinking straight and grab a mid-range red that you’d actually enjoy sipping. If you wouldn’t drink it cold don’t expect miracles when it’s hot.
• Let it steep low and slow: Patience pays off here so let everything mingle for at least 30 minutes on low heat. The longer it steeps the more those spices infuse into every sip.
• Strain before serving: Nobody wants to fish whole cloves out of their teeth so strain out all the spice bits before ladling into mugs. Your guests will appreciate the smooth drinking experience.
• Keep it warm not hot: Serve at drinking temperature not lava temperature. Test it yourself first because nothing ruins the mood like burning someone’s tongue on the first sip.
• Fresh orange makes a difference: Skip the dried orange peel and use fresh slices instead. The oils from fresh citrus add brightness that dried just can’t match.

Food Pairing Ideas

The warm spices and rich fruit notes in mulled wine create the perfect backdrop for both savory and sweet bites that enhance its cozy, festive character.

Think comfort foods that match the drink’s warming qualities and complementary flavors that won’t compete with those beautiful aromatic spices.

• Aged Cheese Board: Sharp cheddar, aged gouda and creamy brie pair beautifully with the wine’s tannins while the rich textures complement the drink’s full body.
• Spiced Nuts: Cinnamon-roasted almonds or star anise cashews echo the mulled wine’s warming spices and provide a satisfying crunch between sips.
• Dark Chocolate Truffles: The bitter-sweet richness plays off the wine’s fruit notes while the luxurious texture matches the drink’s indulgent vibe.
• Gingerbread Cookies: Classic holiday spices in the cookies harmonize perfectly with the mulled wine’s cinnamon and cloves for ultimate seasonal comfort.
• Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates: The salty-sweet combination balances the wine’s sweetness while the rich flavors stand up to those bold spices.
• Baked Brie with Cranberries: Creamy cheese and tart fruit create a lovely contrast to the wine’s warmth and spice while keeping things elegantly simple.
• Shortbread: Buttery, crumbly texture provides a neutral base that lets the mulled wine shine while adding satisfying richness to each pairing.

Easy 20-Minute Mulled Wine

This cozy mulled wine is pure winter magic in a mug! Rich red wine gets elevated with warming spices like cinnamon and star anise, creating a drink that’s both sophisticated and comforting.

The brandy adds a luxurious depth while orange slices bring bright citrus notes that perfectly balance the warming spices… it’s like getting a hug from the inside out.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (750ml) red wine
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4-5 whole cloves
• 2 star anise pods
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional)
• Extra orange slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Pour the red wine into a large saucepan or slow cooker and heat over medium-low heat… you want it warm but definitely not boiling because nobody wants their alcohol to disappear!
2. Add the brandy, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves and star anise to the wine, stirring gently to combine all those amazing flavors.
3. Let the mixture simmer quietly for 15-20 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse their magic into the wine… your kitchen is gonna smell incredible right about now.
4. Taste and add honey or sugar if you want it a bit sweeter, though the natural fruit flavors usually do the trick perfectly.
5. Strain out the spices if you prefer a cleaner drink, or leave them in for a more rustic presentation.
6. Ladle the mulled wine into mugs and garnish each with a fresh orange slice and maybe a cinnamon stick for stirring.
7. Serve immediately while it’s still steaming hot… this is the kind of drink that demands to be enjoyed right away!

Prep Times:

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Servings: 4-6
• Calories: 161 per serving
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g

Variations To Try

These creative twists on spiced mulled wine bring new flavors and textures while maintaining the cozy warmth of the original.

• White Wine Mulled Wine: Replace red wine with white wine and add fresh ginger, cardamom pods and dried apple slices for a lighter, more delicate flavor profile.
• Bourbon Mulled Wine: Swap brandy for bourbon and include maple syrup, vanilla bean and fresh cranberries for a rich American-style variation.
• Sparkling Mulled Wine: Use prosecco or champagne instead of still wine, add pomegranate juice and rosemary sprigs for a festive bubbly version.
• Non-Alcoholic Mulled Grape Juice: Replace wine and brandy with dark grape juice, add extra spices like nutmeg and allspice berries for a family-friendly alternative.
• Chocolate Mulled Wine: Stir in dark chocolate shavings and add orange zest with a pinch of cayenne pepper for a decadent dessert-like drink.
• Tropical Mulled Wine: Include pineapple juice, coconut rum instead of brandy and substitute regular orange with blood orange for an exotic twist.

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Yield: 1

Spiced Mulled Wine

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Red wine simmered with cinnamon, cloves, citrus, and spice - this classic mulled wine is the ultimate cozy sip for chilly nights and festive gatherings.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 750ml red wine
• 60 ml brandy
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4-5 whole cloves
• 2 star anise pods
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional)
• Extra orange slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Pour the red wine into a large saucepan or slow cooker and heat over medium-low heat... you want it warm but definitely not boiling because nobody wants their alcohol to disappear!
2. Add the brandy, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves and star anise to the wine, stirring gently to combine all those amazing flavors.
3. Let the mixture simmer quietly for 15-20 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse their magic into the wine... your kitchen is gonna smell incredible right about now.
4. Taste and add honey or sugar if you want it a bit sweeter, though the natural fruit flavors usually do the trick perfectly.
5. Strain out the spices if you prefer a cleaner drink, or leave them in for a more rustic presentation.
6. Ladle the mulled wine into mugs and garnish each with a fresh orange slice and maybe a cinnamon stick for stirring.
7. Serve immediately while it's still steaming hot... this is the kind of drink that demands to be enjoyed right away!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 161Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 6mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 0g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.

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