Warm red wine simmered with citrus and holiday spices
Spiced Mulled Wine
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6
6 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Spiced Mulled Wine
Warm red wine simmered with citrus and holiday spices
★4.5(13)
A warming pot of red wine gently simmered with cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and fresh orange. The quintessential holiday drink for cold winter evenings.
5m
Prep Time
20m
Cook Time
25m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This mulled wine fills your home with the most incredible holiday aroma while simmering on the stove. The spiced, warm red wine with citrus is the perfect drink for holiday gatherings and cozy nights by the fire.
This recipe has been tested and refined to ensure reliable, delicious results every time you make it. Follow the steps carefully and you will be rewarded with something truly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole star anise
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
- 6 whole cloves
Instructions
- 1
Combine wine, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and honey in a large saucepan.
- 2
Heat over medium-low heat until steaming and just barely simmering, about 15-20 minutes. Do not boil.
- 3
Reduce heat to low and let steep for an additional 10 minutes for deeper spice flavor.
- 4
Taste and adjust sweetness with more honey if desired.
- 5
Ladle into mugs through a strainer or serve with the spices and orange slices for garnish.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal
Pair with your favorite grain or bread on the side
Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation
Substitutions
Red wineApple cider
Creates a non-alcoholic mulled cider with the same cozy spice profile
HoneyMaple syrup
A richer, more autumnal sweetness
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use an inexpensive, fruit-forward red wine like Merlot or Cabernet—the spices do the heavy lifting.
Keep warm in a slow cooker on the "warm" setting for a self-serve party station.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat; never boil or the alcohol and flavor degrade.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (0mg) · 6 servings
Calories165
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein0g
Carbohydrates0g
Fat18g
Fiber10mg
Sugar1g
Sodium14g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the alcohol cook off?
- Some does, but since you never boil, most of the alcohol remains. Simmering 20 minutes retains about 85%.
- Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
- Substitute grape juice or pomegranate juice for the wine with great results.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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