Mulled Wine
A warm, aromatic red wine infused with winter spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, kissed with citrus and a touch of brandy. This classic holiday drink fills the house with the scent of Christmas and warms you from the inside out on a cold evening.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prep the citrus and gather your spices.
Slice the orange into thin rounds. Measure out the honey, brandy, and whole spices so everything is ready to go.
- mix
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
Pour the red wine and brandy into a large saucepan. Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and honey. Give everything a gentle stir to help the honey dissolve.
- simmer · ~15 min
Simmer gently over low heat for 15 minutes.
Place the saucepan over low heat and bring to a gentle simmer. You want tiny bubbles around the edges, never a rolling boil. Keep the heat low so the alcohol doesn't cook off and the spices have time to infuse.
TIPNever let mulled wine boil. Boiling evaporates the alcohol and makes the wine taste bitter and thin. - prep
Taste and adjust sweetness.
After 15 minutes, taste the mulled wine. If you prefer it sweeter, stir in an extra tablespoon of honey until dissolved.
- simmer
Hold on lowest heat until ready to serve.
Reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting, just enough to keep the wine warm. The flavor continues to deepen the longer it sits.
- serve
Ladle into mugs and serve warm.
Use a ladle to pour the mulled wine into heatproof mugs or glasses, avoiding the whole spices as much as possible. You can strain through a fine-mesh sieve for a perfectly clear drink, or leave the orange slice and cinnamon stick in the mug for a rustic look.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a fruity, medium-bodied wine like Merlot or Shiraz for balanced flavor.
- 2Never let the wine boil; keep it at a bare simmer to preserve alcohol and avoid bitterness.
- 3Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer a clear, spice-free drink.
- 4Let the mulled wine steep on low heat for up to 30 minutes for deeper spice infusion.
- 5Make ahead: cool, refrigerate, and gently reheat on the stove before serving.
- 6Garnish each mug with a fresh orange slice and a cinnamon stick for visual appeal.
Adapt it for your goals.
Non-alcoholic
Replace the red wine with an equal amount of non-alcoholic red wine or pomegranate juice, and omit the brandy. Increase honey to 4 tablespoons to balance acidity. Perfect for kids or those avoiding alcohol.
spicierSpicier
Add a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (sliced) and 1/2 teaspoon of black peppercorns along with the other spices. This adds warmth and complexity for those who love bold flavors.
lower sugarLower-sugar
Reduce honey to 1 tablespoon and let the natural sweetness of the orange carry the drink. Use a wine that is naturally fruit-forward. Suitable for low-sugar or keto diets (when using a low-carb wine).
citrus forwardCitrus-forward
Add the juice of 1/2 lemon and use a whole sliced lemon in addition to the orange. This brightens the mulled wine and gives it a tangier profile, great for those who prefer tart drinks.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants from Red Wine
Red wine contains resveratrol and other polyphenols that are linked to heart health. This mulled wine retains those antioxidants when heated gently.
Anti-inflammatory Spices
Cinnamon, cloves, and star anise have natural anti-inflammatory properties that may support immune health, especially during cold months.
Warming and Comforting
The combination of warm spices and hot wine can help improve circulation and provide a feeling of warmth, making it ideal for chilly evenings.
Vitamin C from Orange
Fresh orange slices contribute a small amount of vitamin C, supporting immune function, especially in winter.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but avoid overly tannic or oaky wines like Cabernet Sauvignon; a fruity, medium-bodied wine such as Merlot or Shiraz works best for a balanced flavor.
