There's something almost magical about a warm mug of mulled wine on a cold evening. The aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus fills your kitchen while the wine simmers gently on the stove. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or just curling up on the couch with your pup, mulled wine brings instant warmth and comfort. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make at home.
Key Takeaways
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Mulled wine is a cozy beverage created by slowly warming red wine with aromatic spices, fresh citrus, and a touch of sweetness.
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The best wines for mulling are dry or semi-dry reds like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Zinfandel.
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Low and slow is the golden rule because boiling the wine will cook off the alcohol and create a bitter taste.
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You can customize your mulled wine with different spices, fruits, or sweeteners based on your preferences.
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Leftover mulled wine keeps well in the fridge for up to three days and can be gently reheated.
What Is Mulled Wine?
Mulled wine is wine that's been heated with spices, sweetener, and citrus. It's a tradition dating back to ancient Rome, now a staple at Christmas markets across Europe. If you want to dig deeper into what mulled wine is and its traditions, you'll find that nearly every wine-producing country has its own version. The beauty is in its flexibility. Some add brandy for warmth, others throw in star anise or ginger for a spicier kick.
Related: Healthiest Wine Options to Consider
Ingredients You'll Need
Before you start, gather your ingredients. The base is always red wine, and you'll want a bottle that's good enough to drink on its own but not so expensive that you'd feel bad heating it up. Dry or medium-bodied reds work best because they hold up well to the spices.
For spices, the classics include cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise. You can buy these individually or look into classic mulling spice blends explained by specialty shops. You'll also need an orange for zest and juice, plus a sweetener like honey or sugar.
Here's a basic ingredient list:
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1 bottle of red wine (750ml)
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1 orange, sliced into rounds
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3 to 4 cinnamon sticks
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6 to 8 whole cloves
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2 to 3 star anise
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1/4 cup honey, maple syrup, or sugar
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Optional: 1/4 cup brandy or orange liqueur
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making mulled wine is straightforward, but a few key techniques will help you get the best results.
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Pour the wine into a large pot or slow cooker. Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and your sweetener of choice. Give everything a gentle stir. If you're curious about how to choose the best spices for mulled wine, remember that fresher whole spices will give you a more vibrant flavor than pre-ground options.
Step 2: Heat Low and Slow
Turn your burner to low heat and let the wine warm gradually. You want it to reach a temperature where steam rises from the surface, but you should never let it boil. Boiling will evaporate the alcohol and can make the wine taste harsh and bitter. Aim for around 150 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Let It Simmer
Once the wine is warm, let it simmer on low for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This gives the spices time to infuse and the flavors to meld together. You can let it go longer for a stronger spice flavor, just keep the heat low.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Give your mulled wine a taste. Need more sweetness? Add a bit more honey. Want a citrus punch? Squeeze in some fresh orange juice. This is your chance to make it exactly how you like it.
Step 5: Strain and Serve
Strain out the aromatics using a fine sieve, then ladle the hot wine into heat-safe mugs. Finish each serving with an orange twist or a cinnamon stick for a simple garnish.
Related: Top 10 Dog Friendly Wineries in Napa Valley CA
Tips for the Best Mulled Wine
A few small tweaks make a big difference. Don't skimp on wine quality. You don't need anything expensive, but avoid the cheapest bottles since they often have off-flavors that become more noticeable when heated. Adding a splash of brandy or orange liqueur at the end boosts warmth and complexity. For parties, a slow cooker keeps the wine at the perfect temperature for hours. For a dog-friendly wine recommendation to enjoy while your pup gets treats, sweet wines are crowd favorites.
Choosing the Right Wine
Not all red wines are created equal when it comes to mulling. You want something with enough body to stand up to the spices but not so tannic that it becomes astringent when heated. Merlot, Zinfandel, and Garnacha are all excellent choices. Avoid oaky wines like heavily aged Cabernet Sauvignon, as the wood flavors can clash with the spices.
Exploring wine subscription box options can introduce you to new varietals that work beautifully for mulling.
Serving and Storing
Mulled wine is best served warm, right after you make it. Pour it into heat-safe mugs, and consider warming your cups beforehand with hot water. Fresh cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or whole cranberries make festive garnishes.
Store any extra mulled wine in a sealed container in the refrigerator and use it within three days. Warm it slowly in a saucepan on low to preserve the flavors. If you want to learn about Wags & Wine's subscription process, it’s an easy way to have wines on hand whenever you’re ready to make it again.
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Conclusion
Making mulled wine at home is one of the simplest ways to add warmth and festivity to your evenings. With just a bottle of wine, a handful of spices, and a little patience, you can create a drink that tastes like the holidays in a cup. Experiment with different spice combinations, try various wines, and find the recipe that feels like your own.