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Mulled Wine
About this recipe
Mulled wine transforms a simple bottle of red into liquid comfort, embodying centuries of European winter tradition in every aromatic sip. This warming elixir dates back to Roman times when spiced wine was believed to promote health and vitality during cold months. From German Glühwein to Scandinavian Glögg, every culture has embraced this soul-warming drink that turns ordinary gatherings into memorable celebrations. What sets this version apart is its perfect balance of sweetness and spice, elevated by the addition of brandy for depth and honey for silky smoothness. The combination of whole spices - cinnamon's warmth, cloves' intensity, and star anise's subtle licorice notes - creates a complex flavor profile that develops beautifully as it simmers. Unlike overly sweet commercial versions, this recipe allows the wine's character to shine while the gentle cooking process melds all elements into a harmonious, restaurant-quality drink that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
Why you'll love this
- ✓ **Aromatic**: The intoxicating blend of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise fills your home with the essence of the holidays
- ✓ **Versatile**: Perfect for everything from intimate date nights to large holiday parties
- ✓ **Make-ahead friendly**: Can be prepared hours in advance and kept warm in a slow cooker
- ✓ **Customizable**: Easy to adjust sweetness and spice levels to suit any palate
Photo 1 of 3
Photo 1 of 3Ingredients
- 1(750-mL.) bottle red wine
- 1orange, sliced into rounds (plus more for serving)
- 6wholecloves
- 3(3") cinnamon sticks (plus more for serving)
- 3star anisepods
- 0.5cupbrandyUse a quality cognac or brandy for best results. Avoid cooking brandy as it lacks the depth needed for this recipe
- 0.25cuphoneyLocal honey adds the best flavor, but any good-quality honey works. Start with less and add more to taste
Step-by-step instructions
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring wine, oranges, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, brandy, and honey to a simmer (do not boil). Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and slightly reduced, about 10 minutes.
Divide mulled wine among cups or mugs. Garnish with more orange slices and cinnamon sticks.
Photo 2 of 3
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Follow along step by step — hands-free cook mode with timers.
Chef's tips
honey
Local honey adds the best flavor, but any good-quality honey works. Start with less and add more to taste
brandy
Use a quality cognac or brandy for best results. Avoid cooking brandy as it lacks the depth needed for this recipe
red wine
Choose a medium-bodied wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. Avoid expensive bottles as heating will mellow complex flavors - a good mid-range wine works perfectly
star anise
These beautiful pods add subtle licorice notes. If unavailable, substitute with 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
whole cloves
Use whole cloves rather than ground - they're easier to strain out and provide cleaner flavor without bitterness
Variations & substitutions
- VeganReplace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, using the same amount for equivalent sweetness
- Gluten-freeThis recipe is naturally gluten-free - just ensure your brandy is certified gluten-free if needed
- Less sweetReduce honey to 2 tablespoons or substitute with a few drops of liquid stevia to taste
- UpgradeAdd a vanilla bean pod, use premium cognac, and finish with a splash of port wine for restaurant-level complexity
Photo 3 of 3
Photo 3 of 3Storage & shelf life
🍽️ How to serve
Serve this aromatic mulled wine in warmed mugs or heat-proof glasses to maintain its perfect temperature and enhance the drinking experience. Garnish each serving with a fresh orange slice and cinnamon stick for stirring, which not only looks festive but releases additional aromatics with each sip. Pair with holiday cookies, roasted nuts, or cheese and charcuterie boards for a complete winter entertaining spread.
Mulled Wine
A warm, comforting spiced wine cocktail featuring red wine, brandy, honey, and festive spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For 6 servings
- 1(750-mL.) bottle red wine
- 1orange, sliced into rounds (plus more for serving)
- 6 wholecloves
- 3(3") cinnamon sticks (plus more for serving)
- 3 star anisepods
- 1/2 cupbrandy
- 1/4 cuphoney
Instructions
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring wine, oranges, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, brandy, and honey to a simmer (do not boil). Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and slightly reduced, about 10 minutes.
Divide mulled wine among cups or mugs. Garnish with more orange slices and cinnamon sticks.
Frequently asked questions
Generated by SavoriNutrition per serving
Ready to cook this recipe?
Follow along step by step — hands-free cook mode with timers.