Mulled white wine is a cozy twist on the classic winter warmer, lighter than red mulled wine but just as comforting. It is aromatic, gently spiced, and perfect for evenings when you want something festive without anything too heavy. With notes of citrus, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness, this drink feels elegant yet easy, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or a quiet night at home.
Unlike red mulled wine, the white version highlights freshness and brightness. A dry white wine works best, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or an unoaked Chardonnay. These wines provide a clean base that lets the spices shine without becoming overpowering. The key is to warm the wine slowly and gently, never letting it boil, so the alcohol does not evaporate and the flavors stay balanced.
The spice mix is where mulled white wine really comes alive. Cinnamon sticks add warmth, star anise brings subtle licorice notes, and cloves provide depth. Citrus is essential, usually a combination of orange and lemon slices. Some people like to add a splash of honey or sugar, while others prefer a more natural sweetness from apple slices or pear. For an extra festive touch, a small piece of fresh ginger can add gentle heat and complexity.
To prepare mulled white wine, combine the wine with spices, citrus, and sweetener in a saucepan. Heat it on low, allowing the flavors to infuse for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally and taste as you go, adjusting sweetness if needed. Once warmed and fragrant, strain the spices and serve immediately. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick, a slice of orange, or even a sprig of rosemary for a beautiful presentation.
Mulled white wine is perfect for holiday brunches, winter afternoons, or as a lighter alternative to heavier cocktails. It pairs wonderfully with buttery pastries, mild cheeses, and simple desserts like shortbread or vanilla cookies. Whether you are hosting friends or enjoying a quiet moment by the window, this drink brings warmth, aroma, and a touch of seasonal magic to every sip.
Ingredients
- 750 ml white wine Use a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- 3 pieces cinnamon sticks
- 4 pieces star anise
- 5 pieces cloves
- 1 orange sliced
- 1/4 cup honey adjust based on sweetness preference
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the white wine, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, orange slices, and honey.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to steam, but do not allow it to boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Strain the mulled wine to remove the spices, if desired.
- Serve the mulled white wine warm in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange if desired.
Nutrition
Mulled wine? I thought that was for red wine only. What’s next, mulled beer? 🤣
Why would you use white wine for mulled wine? It’s all about the red! 🤨
I didn’t have star anise, used fennel seeds instead. It was still good, but can’t say it’s the same. 🤷♀️
This is just like my grandma’s recipe! Brings back so many memories. ❤️
Too sweet for my taste, need to cut down on honey next time.
Nah, the sweetness is what makes it cozy! Just enjoy it as is, or try a drier wine next time.
I totally agree! I found it way too sweet as well. Maybe some lemon juice could help balance it out? 🥴
This recipe is amazing! Perfect for winter nights. 🍷✨
Yum!! I used agave syrup instead of honey and it turned out delicious! 👍
Meh, didn’t impress me. I wanted something stronger. Maybe add some vodka? 🤔
Loved it! Perfect for my holiday party. Everyone raved about it! 🎉
Only 20 mins? I let mine simmer for an hour! Sooo much better with more time.
Didn’t taste right to me. Maybe I did something wrong.
I thought it was great! Maybe the honey was too much? It’s easy to adjust the sweetness. Don’t give up!
Sorry to hear that! Sometimes it depends on the wine you choose. Did you use a dry one? That can make a big difference!
This recipe is pure magic! I never thought white wine could taste this good! Will definitely make again.
Good! Super easy. Would drink again.
Tastes great too! Just don’t boil it like the recipe says. Trust me. 😉
I totally agree! Boiling it would ruin the flavor. Just let it simmer! 😊
Wait, you’re not supposed to boil it? I never knew. This recipe is confusing.
Uhm, my wine turned out like soup?! I think I might’ve let it boil. Not trying this again.
This was okay, but I’ve had better. Maybe red wine is just more my style? 🤷♂️
yummy! 🍷
I don’t know… white wine for mulled? Isn’t red better? 🤔
Totally agree! Perfect for cozy nights. 🍷✨
I think the recipe is missing something. It tasted kinda flat to me. 🤔
I totally agree! I think adding a bit more honey or some fresh herbs could really enhance the flavor. 🍯🌿
Nah, it’s fine as is! Sometimes simple is better. Just try more wine next time! 😂
I followed the steps but my wine started steaming and then I almost boiled it. Luckily I pulled it off quickly. Flavor was still decent.
Yum! I added a bit of ginger and it was awesome! Everyone at my party loved it. 10/10 recommend.
Absolutely loved this recipe! The honey adds the perfect amount of sweetness. Perfect for cold nights!
Glad you enjoyed it! The honey really does make it special. Perfect winter drink!
Mmm, thought this would be too sweet with the honey. Maybe I’ll try it without next time.
Why would you use white wine? Red is obviously better for mulling. Just saying.
I get your point, but white wine has a lighter flavor that’s nice in mulling too! Give it a shot!
This is the best recipe ever! I added a few more cloves and it was amazing. Everyone loved it!
I used Pinot Grigio and 1/4 cup honey felt perfect for me. The orange really makes it pop. Will definitely make again for winter guests.
Looks yummy. Never heard of mulled white wine before but I’ll try it. Hope it’s not too strong.
That sounds so cozy! Mulled white wine is actually really nice—should be aromatic without being too heavy. I’d start with a little less honey the first time just in case.
Never tried this—mulled white wine? I’m skeptical 😅 The cloves and star anise can get *intense* fast. 20 minutes might make it super strong, maybe go like 10-15. Also, don’t boil it or it’ll taste weird.
Was good but next time I’ll try it with some brandy added. Cheers!
Not gonna lie, I accidentally boiled it for like 2 minutes (oops). Still decent, but it tasted a bit harsher. Also, 1/4 cup honey is probably too much if your wine is sweet.
This tasted like a fancy drink but was easy to make. Saves me the trip to the bar.
Cloves and star anise can get kinda overpowering, so I’d warn people to taste while it simmers. I added extra orange and it helped balance.
I thought this would be too sweet, but it turned out really good! More spices would be nice tho.
I’m glad you liked it! A pinch more nutmeg could be great too!
Too sweet? I thought white wine was supposed to be dry! What’s the point of honey then?
Made this last winter night and wow—smells like a fancy holiday market. I used Pinot Grigio and cut the honey a bit, perfect sweetness.
I don’t think white wine is the right choice for mulled wine. Red wine tastes better.
I get what you’re saying, but white wine can bring a whole new flavor profile! It’s worth trying at least once.
Nah, red wine is the best! White wine for mulled wine just ain’t right!
Kinda amazing but I think 20 minutes is too long. I did 10-15 and it was more delicate. Still a win though.
This is basically “spiced wine,” right? I get that the orange and honey help, but I don’t know—felt kinda basic. Would prefer to simmer longer than 20 min.
Tried it tonight—super easy. I did accidentally let it get a tiny boil for like 30 seconds, but it still tasted good. Would make again for sure.
Huh, I’m surprised it tasted good after boiling 30 seconds—doesn’t the alcohol cook off? Maybe I’m overthinking. Gonna try it anyway but I’ll babysit the pot.
Nice! Glad it still worked with a quick boil. I always worry about boiling wine too much, but “tastes good” is what matters 😄
AWESOME! My friends are still talking about it. Gonna make it again for the holidays.
Nice drink, but I tend to like it more spicy. Can I add ginger or something?
Absolutely! Ginger would add a nice kick. Just slice some up and throw it in when you’re simmering. Enjoy!
Hmm, I don’t know if ginger goes with white wine. Isn’t it more for red ones? But if you like it spicy, why not try it!
Yum! Perfect for cold nights. I skipped the honey because I don’t like sweet drinks. Still great!
I don’t usually like white wine, but this was surprisingly nice. Will make again!
Yum. Simple. Easy.
Ehh, kind of underwhelming. I thought the flavor would be stronger. Might try it with more honey next time.
I get that! Sometimes the flavor can be a bit subtle. You could even add more spices for a kick!
I don’t understand why you wouldn’t just use red wine? This feels like a waste.
Isn’t mulled wine supposed to be red? This feels wrong. Just sayin’.
This was so good! Perfect for winter nights. I added more honey tho. 🍯
I am allergic to clovers, can I just leave them out? Would it still taste good?
Why honey? I tried it with no honey and it tasted flat. With honey it’s way better—sweet-spice balance is key.
The smell while it simmers is unreal. Like holiday candle vibes. I strained it and it was smooth in the mug.
Yes!! That candle-like aroma is the best part. I always strain too—so smooth and cozy in the mug.
Mine was a little too spicy—next time I’ll cut down the cloves. Still really good though, just stronger than I expected.
Good to know! Yeah, cloves can hit harder than expected. I’m glad it was still tasty—trying 2 cloves next time (or even less) might be perfect.
Mine was spicy too… I thought “cloves” meant like cinnamon vibe lol. I’ll start with 1 clove and not simmer as long. Thanks for sharing!
This is such a cozy idea—didn’t think white wine could taste this good with all the spices. I simmered low exactly like it said and it came out aromatic and not too sweet.
Not gonna lie, 20 min feels short. I boiled mine by accident and it turned out kinda sad… but the smell was still good.
Wait—don’t boil? I always boil mine, like full rolling boil, for like an hour… then it’s strong and good. 20 min feels too short, but if it smells good then maybe it works anyway 😅
Totally get it—20 min does seem fast for mulled wine. I’ve done it both ways and yeah, boiling it can definitely make it taste a little flat/“sad.” Next time I’d keep it just steaming like the instructions say.
Pretty solid recipe. “Do not allow it to boil” is the key—white wine + boiling just tastes harsher. I followed it exactly and it was great.
Great for a quick get-together. I kept it on low heat and it stayed warm for a couple hours—just watch it doesn’t boil.
Seems solid, but I’m wondering… how much does boiling really ruin it? Also I don’t usually strain it—think the spices would get too strong sitting in the mug? Either way gonna try low heat!
Love this—mulled white wine is underrated. I tried it once and forgot the “don’t boil” part, oops. This time I kept it just steaming like you said and it stayed perfect for hosting.
I’m skeptical about white wine mulled recipes, but this worked. The spices felt balanced and not medicinal.
Same here—I expected it to taste kinda “perfume-y,” but the cinnamon/anise/cloves combo actually makes sense. Glad it wasn’t medicinal!
Tastes like holiday cider vibes but smoother. I strained it and served right away—big difference vs letting it sit too long.
Y’all, I made this for a party and it was a hit! Everyone loved it! Highly recommend!
Um, isn’t mulled wine usually made with red wine? Just a thought. Not sure how this will taste.
That sounds amazing! I have to try this recipe. Mulled wine is so cozy for parties!
Not sure if I did something wrong but it turned kinda bitter. Maybe because I didn’t strain the spices?
I’m skeptical about adding star anise to wine, but wow. It smells fancy. I used less star anise than the recipe and it was great.
Same—was side-eyeing the star anise, but the aroma is honestly amazing. I think the trick is not boiling it, just steaming/simmering. Love that you went lighter on it too.
I was skeptical about simmering cloves in white wine, but it actually tastes warm and balanced. Next time I’ll maybe use less clove because it got a little strong by the end.
I was the same—cloves can totally overpower stuff. Love that it ended up warm and balanced though. I’d definitely try reducing to like 2 cloves next time.
cloves in white wine? sounds weird 😅 but if it tastes good i guess. i usually just toss in the cinnamon and star anise and skip the rest. did you boil it or keep it low the whole time?
I was skeptical about using 1/4 cup honey. Mine ended up a bit too sweet even with a dry Sauvignon Blanc. Still, the spice aroma was amazing.
Totally get the sweetness issue—honey amounts can be sneaky depending on the wine. Next time I’d try 2 tbsp honey and taste as you go.
This is such a cozy drink! I used Pinot Grigio and it came out fragrant without tasting overly spicy. The orange + honey combo is perfect.
This sounds cozy as heck. I love mulled wine but usually do red—white is a fun twist. I’ll probably add a little more orange though.
Omg yes—white mulled wine is such a vibe. The orange should totally pop with the spices. 😄
Way too sweet for my taste. I think next time I’ll cut the honey in half, especially since the wine I used was already kind of fruity.
I don’t get why people say ‘do not boil’… I boiled mine, and honestly it was still drinkable. Maybe my cloves were super mild though.
Mine turned out kinda harsh?? I may have used too many cloves because I love them. Also I forgot to strain and the spices just sat at the bottom lol.
Oof—yeah, cloves can definitely make it harsh if it’s too many, and skipping the straining would leave all that concentrated spice sediment at the bottom. Next time, try keeping to the 5 cloves (or even 3 if you’re cautious) and strain before serving. Also make sure it doesn’t boil—boiling can intensify and make it taste sharper.