Mulled wine is a classic holiday drink that is perfect for warming up on cold winter nights. Made with red wine infused with warm spices, it’s the ultimate cozy drink. Enjoy a mug of mulled wine by the fireplace or at your next holiday gathering.
This recipe serves 6 and takes about 25 minutes to make. It’s easy to prepare and requires only a few simple ingredients. The combination of red wine, sugar, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and allspice creates a rich and aromatic drink.
To make mulled wine, combine all the ingredients in a large pot and heat over medium heat until it reaches a simmer. Be careful not to let it boil. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
After simmering, strain out the cloves, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices. Serve the mulled wine hot in mugs and garnish with additional orange slices and cinnamon sticks, if desired.
Mulled wine has a long history that dates back to ancient Rome, where wine was heated and infused with spices to improve flavor and preserve it during colder months. As the Roman Empire expanded across Europe, the tradition spread and evolved, becoming especially popular in medieval times when expensive spices were added to wine as a sign of wealth and celebration. Over the centuries, it became closely associated with winter festivities and Christmas markets across Europe, where warm cups of spiced wine remain a beloved seasonal tradition today.
Mulled wine pairs beautifully with a variety of winter dishes and festive treats. It complements savory foods like roasted meats, sausages, and cheese boards, while its warm spices also enhance sweet desserts such as gingerbread, fruit cakes, and spiced cookies. The rich, aromatic flavors make it a perfect companion for cozy holiday meals and seasonal gatherings. Cheers to a warm and festive holiday season!
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 orange sliced
- 8 cloves whole
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp nutmeg ground
- 1 tsp allspice ground
- slices orange Optional garnish
- sticks cinnamon Optional garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the red wine, sugar, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a simmer. Do not boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the wine simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove from heat and strain out the cloves, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices.
- Serve hot in mugs and garnish with additional orange slices and cinnamon sticks, if desired.
I added extra cloves because I just love them! Made it taste like Christmas in a cup! 10/10
Extra cloves? That sounds amazing! I love that festive touch. Looking forward to trying it! 🌟
I don’t know, sounds like too many cloves! Might overpower the wine. Keep it simple, I say.
Not gonna lie, I’m skeptical about nutmeg/allspice amounts. Mine came out a little strong on the spices, like Christmas candle vibes. Next time I’ll use slightly less nutmeg.
I made this, but forgot to take out the cloves 😬. Didn’t taste good. Not sure how you would forget that step, but I did.
My orange slices disappeared into the strainer so fast I barely saw them 😂 Still delicious though.
Wait—mine never sinks that fast. Are you simmering on low the whole time? Also I used too much nutmeg once and it was… not great lol.
Haha I know that feeling—orange slices turn into total flavor snacks once they hit the heat 😂 Glad it was still delicious!
This was delicious! Perfect for the holidays. Will make again!
Never thought I’d enjoy mulled wine, but this was a game changer! Just make sure to let it simmer long enough.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Mulled wine is the best on a cold night. I always add extra cinnamon, tastes even better.
I dunno, simmering for too long sounds risky. Might ruin the taste? Just a thought.
I tried it but I think I accidentally boiled it a bit at the start… the wine tasted a little harsh afterward. Also, straining is a must—cloves everywhere.
This is literally the easiest recipe ever. Just mix a bunch of stuff and heat it. 👍
I dunno, it was too sweet for me. Maybe I used too much sugar?
Yeah, I think the sugar can really make it sweet. I usually skip the added sugar altogether!
I followed exactly and it was good, but I think 20 minutes is short? The spices didn’t fully blend for me. Still drank it all though 😅
So I boiled it by accident (oops) and now it tastes kinda harsh. Maybe lower heat is real important. Otherwise idea is solid.
The instruction says strain out the cloves and cinnamon sticks—mine were hard to see, so I over-strained and lost some flavor. Next time I’ll be more careful.
I do this every time too 😅 The cloves vanish! I now use a little tea infuser for the cloves/cinnamon so I don’t have to guess.
Wait, strain only the cloves and cinnamon—why not leave them in? If you over-strain you’re just throwing away the best part. I’d try not to strain at all next time.
Not bad, but mine came out a little too sharp (probably my wine was dry). Next time I’ll use a touch more sugar or a smoother red.
Cloves + nutmeg can be overpowering. I measured like the recipe said but it leaned sharp for my taste. Still, my house smelled like Christmas.
Totally agree—nutmeg can jump out fast. I usually go a pinch, like way less than 1 tsp, and it still tastes great. Also glad it smelled like Christmas though 😄
I tried this and it was spicy/sharp too. I think the cloves might be too much? Next time I’ll cut cloves in half and use nutmeg like “sprinkle” not “tsp”. House still smells amazing anyway lol.
This is a scam. My wine tasted the same after making it…I think this doesn’t work!
Mulled wine rocks!! My family can’t get enough! Always a hit during the holidays! 🎉
Tasty but took longer to prepare than I thought it would. Sigh.
I don’t really get why you strain the cloves—like aren’t they supposed to stay in? I left them and it was… intense.
I tried it once and my kitchen smelled AMAZING. My guests asked what spice mix I used. I just smiled like I’m a wizard.
Easy recipe, and the spices really come through. I used a little less sugar and it still tasted rich—would make again for sure.
Totally agree—those spices really shine. I’ve made it twice and it stays super flavorful even with less sugar. Thanks for the tip!
I did this once and the whole kitchen smelled like christmas, but my nutmeg clumped and I got little specks. Maybe I used too much or didn’t mix right. Tasted fine though.
That “smelled like Christmas” feeling is real 😄 For the nutmeg clumps, I’d try whisking it into the sugar first (or make a quick slurry with a splash of warm wine) before adding—ground nutmeg gets kinda stubborn.
I followed it pretty closely, but I think my nutmeg was extra strong—could’ve used less. Still tastes great, just more “spice-forward” than I expected.
Oh that makes sense—nutmeg can go from subtle to punchy real fast. Next time I’d start with 1/2 tsp and adjust. Glad it still turned out great though!
Maybe your nutmeg was old? Mine got super strong once and I swear it changed everything. Still, mulled wine is supposed to be bold with spices… just not *that* bold.
I added a splash of brandy and it was AMAZING!! ☕🍷
I think 1 tsp allspice is too much? Mine tasted kinda medicinal, like cough drops, not gonna lie. I’ll lower it next time and maybe add a splash of citrus peel only (no extra slices).
Easy peasy. I followed exactly and it came out warm, sweet, and smooth. The straining step is key—cloves in your teeth is not the vibe.
Haha “cloves in your teeth” is so real 😅 Glad it turned out smooth for you—straining makes a huge difference.
Tasty, but I thought 1/4 cup sugar might be a little much depending on the wine. Also I accidentally boiled it once (oops) and it got a bit bitter. Still drinkable though!
I hate spicey stuff so this no good for me. 🙁
This mulled wine recipe is amazing! I made it for a holiday party and everyone loved it. Definitely a keeper! 🍷
So glad to hear it was a hit! Mulled wine is perfect for holidays. Cheers! 🥳
I don’t know… Is this even real wine? Seems too easy. Don’t you need more ingredients or time? 🤔
Smells incredible while it simmers—sweet, spicy, and cozy. I accidentally boiled it for like 30 seconds and it still turned out pretty good. Next time I’ll be more patient and keep it at a true simmer.
That sounds perfect! Mulled wine is *so* forgiving—30 seconds of boiling and still good is honestly impressive. Totally agree: true simmer > boil for sure.
Not bad, but I found it a little flat. I used a cheap red and maybe that was the issue. Also I strained it fine, but the flavor didn’t “meld” that much after 20 minutes for me.
3 stars bc my orange slices floated everywhere and I didn’t strain them well. But the taste was still warm and comforting, so… yeah.
Aw man, I’ve totally had that happen—orange slices float no matter what 😅 Next time I’ll press them down in the pot for a bit and definitely strain more carefully.
it was ok, but not the best. I think it needed more spices.
Is it just me, or is this too sweet? I think I’ll cut down the sugar next time. 😕
I thought it was perfect! But I guess taste is subjective. Maybe less sugar will help? 🤔
Too sweet? Nah, it’s mulled wine! It’s supposed to be festive! Try adding some lemon maybe.
This is the best mulled wine recipe I’ve ever tried! SO cozy and euphoric! 😍
Yum! My whole fam loved it. Mulled wine for life!
That’s awesome to hear! Mulled wine is such a cozy drink for winter nights. Cheers to more family fun!
This mulled wine is simply divine! Perfect for cold nights. I added a hint of ginger, and it was delicious!
Not sure about this recipe. Can you really taste the ginger or is it just for show?
I never thought of adding ginger! I’ll try that next time. Great idea!
I tried straining everything but some spice bits still got in my mug. Tasted good, just gritty. Could be my strainer though.
Ugh, I know that gritty feeling—sounds like a strainer issue or the nutmeg/allspice particles slipped through. Next time try lining your strainer with a paper towel or fine cheesecloth, and consider letting it sit 2–3 minutes before straining so the spice settles.
Pretty solid. I used a little less sugar because my wine was already sweet, and it tasted balanced. The cloves can get intense, so I’d start with 6 if you’re not a fan of that strong note.
Wow—this makes the whole kitchen smell like Christmas. I was a little worried about boiling, but keeping it at a simmer worked perfectly.
Turned out really nice, but I think my pot ran too hot. I almost boiled it (whoops) and the flavor got a bit harsher. Still drinkable though.
Good catch! Mulled wine is super sensitive—once it starts boiling it can turn more bitter/harsh fast. Next time try keeping it just at a gentle simmer (tiny bubbles only), and if you see it getting aggressive, pull it off the heat for a minute and resume low.
Simple and cheap ingredients, so why not. I’m not a cooking genius but it came out decent. Would serve to guests.
Honestly, that sounds perfect for guests—cheap, cozy, and not too fussy. I love mulled wine when it smells like spices all night 😄
Pretty solid base recipe. I was worried about the nutmeg/allspice being too strong, but straining worked and it mellowed out nicely.
Hmm… I’ve made mulled wine before and I don’t usually add that much spice. To me it can taste like Christmas potpourri 😅. Straining helps though, so I might try your approach.
Thanks! I was also nervous about the nutmeg/allspice ratio—good to know straining really fixes it. Did you simmer the full 20 minutes or shorten it?
This is exactly how my grandma made it—warm, spiced, and not overly sweet. The orange + cloves combo is the real magic. I simmered closer to 25 minutes and it was perfect.
Wait, 25 minutes?? I always did like 5-10 and thought it was weak. I’m gonna try longer next time… also I keep forgetting not to boil lol.
Yes! That orange + cloves is EVERYTHING. I made mine once with more sugar and it tasted like cough syrup, so your “not overly sweet” tip is spot on.
Good flavor, but the sugar amount feels low to me for a full bottle. I added another couple tablespoons and it tasted more balanced.
I tried this and it tasted kinda flat. Maybe my spices weren’t fresh? Also I forgot to strain and drank around the cloves… would not recommend lol.
Absolutely cozy. I followed it exactly and the orange + cloves smell amazing. Didn’t boil and that made a difference—wine stayed rich instead of harsh.
Mulled wine forever! 🍷❤️
Pretty good, but I think 1/4 cup sugar might be a bit low for sweeter taste. Next time I’ll bump it slightly or use a sweeter wine. Still warms you right up.
Isnt mulled wine supposed to be made with white wine?? Seems wrong.
I followed it exactly and it was… okay. The flavor is nice but I wanted more sweetness. Next time I’ll use a bit more sugar or maybe honey.
Used too much sugar I think. It was overly sweet. Stick to less sugar next time.
I actually enjoyed the sweetness! It’s perfect for the holidays, I think. Maybe less sugar next time would work for some people, but I loved it!
Too sweet? Lol, I love sugar! Just add more wine if it’s too much for you. 😜
Not gonna lie, I’m skeptical of how much cinnamon/nutmeg works in wine… but it actually does. I used a cheap red and it still turned out nice.
I tried this last night and it was too sweet for me. Maybe less sugar?
So easy and delicious! Made it for my friends and they all loved it. Will make again!
I followed the recipe but it turned out too sweet for my taste. Maybe less sugar next time? 🤔
It didn’t really wow me. Maybe I let it simmer too long?
Sounds like you may have overcooked it a bit! Just simmer it less next time. It should be warming, not stewing!
I thought it was great! Maybe you need more spices? I love a strong flavor. 🤷♂️
This mulled wine recipe is amazing! The spices really uplift the flavor, and it warms you right up! Perfect for the holidays!
Uh, isn’t mulled wine supposed to be made with white wine too? Just saying.
I totally agree! Mulled wine is the best! I added a bit of ginger to mine, and it was AMAZING.
Wow, this is the best mulled wine recipe I’ve ever tried! Perfect for holiday gatherings.
Easy and delicious! 🙌
This is just a fancy way to say warm wine. I don’t see why people love it so much.
I totally overdid it once and boiled it—tasted kinda harsh after that. Lesson learned: simmer only. When done right, it’s cozy and smooth.
I didn’t even strain it! Just left everything in and it tasted great! 😁
OMG! So good! Perfect for holiday gatherings! Will make again for sure.
Yesss! This is the best recipe for mulled wine! I can’t wait to try it at my next party!
Tastes Delicious. Thank you, Und Danke Shein.
Overrated… clove flavor took over. I didn’t strain super carefully and I could taste the cloves. Lesson learned.
I tried this and it was way too sweet! I don’t know if I did something wrong but the sugar was too much for me.
Not a fan. I followed the recipe exactly, but it turned out too sweet. Next time, I’ll cut the sugar in half.
Wow wow wow! Just made this for our Christmas party and everyone loved it! Instant hit! ❤️🎄
Smelled incredible while heating. I was nervous about the “don’t boil” part but followed it and it turned out smooth. Next time I might cut the sugar a bit since my wine was already sweet.
I thought mulled wine was supposed to be sweet. This was a bit too strong for my taste. Anyone else feel that way? ⭐⭐⭐
This is the BEST mulled wine recipe! So cozy and perfect for winter nights! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’ve tried this recipe too and it really is amazing! Perfect for holiday gatherings!
I don’t know, I’ve always thought mulled wine was overrated. Can it be that good?
Good recipe, but 20 minutes feels kinda short? I let mine go closer to 30 and it was even more rounded. Also, don’t forget to strain—cloves are not pleasant to bite into.
I followed it exactly but mine tasted kinda sharp, like the cloves were overpowering. Next time I might use fewer cloves or simmer for less.
Sharp like that usually means the spices were too strong for your batch size. I’d try fewer cloves AND cut back the nutmeg/allspice a bit. Or strain it sooner before everything steeps too long.
That makes sense—cloves can get super overpowering. I usually do like 4–6 cloves instead of 8, and I keep it closer to 15 minutes. Also make sure it’s a gentle simmer, not bubbling hard.
Wouldn’t boil it—my first attempt was too hot and the alcohol smell was stronger. Once I kept it at a simmer it improved a lot.
This recipe is amazing! It smells fantastic and tastes even better. Perfect for cozy nights! 🍷
I don’t know about this… how can such a simple recipe be that popular? Seems overrated to me.
I think it’s popular because it’s perfect for cozy gatherings! Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. 😊
Overrated? Nah, mulled wine is like a hug in a mug! Just try it; you’ll see how good it is!
Mmmm, love mulled wine! Just the right amount of spice makes it a winter must-have. I used leftover wine from a party.
Leftover wine? That’s genius! I always end up with half bottles after parties. Can’t wait to try this out!
I dunno… mulled wine seems overrated. Isn’t it just glorified hot grape juice?
5 stars!! drank it cold by accident and it was still good. not sure if i did the simmer part right but it turned out 🔥
I dunno…isn’t mulled wine just old wine? Sounds kinda gross if you ask me.
I thought the same thing at first. But trust me, it’s super cozy and tastes great! You should give it a try.
Actually, mulled wine is really delicious! It’s not old wine, it’s just warm with spices. Perfect for cold days!
Honestly, I’m skeptical about mulled wine recipes that don’t specify the wine type. I tried it with a dry red and it came out more bitter than I expected.
That makes sense—mulled wine is super sensitive to what you use. A dry red can turn sharper/bitter once you add nutmeg + allspice. I usually go with something a bit sweeter or a fruitier red (like a zinfandel/chianti style) and it mellows out.
Wait, I think this recipe is fine… bitter just means you overheated it or boiled? You said “more bitter,” but did it simmer only? Mine stays good if I keep it low and only like 20 min. Also nutmeg can be strong—maybe used too much.
Easy to follow!! I made it for my book club and it was gone in no time.
The instructions weren’t clear about how much to heat it, so I messed up a bit. Should’ve boiled it?
I totally get it! The instructions could definitely be clearer. You don’t want to boil it though; simmering is key for the flavors! Hope it still turned out okay!
Cloves + orange is a classic for a reason. Super easy and way better than the bottled stuff from the store.
Totally agree—cloves + orange makes it taste so much more “real” than the bottled mix. I add a little extra orange peel too and it’s perfect.
I followed the recipe but it turned out way too sweet for my taste. Gonna try with less sugar next time.
Is it bad that I drank it all by myself? No regrets. 😂
This is absolutely the best mulled wine recipe! Perfect for cold nights. I used a cabernet and it was divine. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Can you use white wine for this? I’ve only got that. 🤔
Sure, use what you have! It might be a bit different, but it could still be good. 🤷♂️
I don’t think white wine would taste right in this. Mulled wine needs to be red! 🍷
Mmm, yum! So good on a chilly night! I added some ginger too. Perfect! 🥰
Not bad at all. I didn’t have allspice, so I used a pinch more cinnamon and it was still decent. Would make again.
Love that you improvised with what you had—pinch of cinnamon for missing allspice totally makes sense. Glad it still came out decent! I’ll definitely try your tweak next time. Cheers!
I doubt this is authentic mulled wine. Can’t we just drink wine like normal? Any true wine lover agrees! 😂
Made it for a small get-together and everyone kept asking what I used. The cloves are strong but in a good way if you don’t boil.
Not gonna lie, the nutmeg and allspice combo is kinda overpowering for me. Also “1 orange sliced” seems vague—like, half? whole? I used one whole orange and it was too bitter. Still, the vibe is very holiday.
This is cozy and smells amazing while it simmers. I was worried about boiling, but keeping it at a gentle simmer worked great.
Is it really necessary to use all those spices? I think just the cinnamon would be fine. 🤷♂️
Yasss! Made this for a holiday party and everyone loved it! Will definitely make again! 🎉
I don’t kno why people like this, it taste like hot vinegar. Not for me.
Nah, it’s not hot vinegar! It’s spiced goodness. Your taste buds just not ready for the flavor explosion!
I think you just had a bad batch! Mulled wine is supposed to be warm and cozy, not just vinegar. Maybe try a different recipe?
One question: does it boil later or nah? I kept it at simmer and it was fine, but my kitchen smelled amazing for hours lol. 5 stars for smell.
It should reach a simmer, not a rolling boil. If it’s simmering on low like you did, you’re good—boiling can make it taste a little harsher. And yeah, the smell lingers forever 😄
I added a splash of orange juice and it kinda ruined it… or maybe my wine was just bad. Still, the smell was great.
Just tried this last night with a cabernet, and wowww, the flavor explosion! Overall a keeper recipe!
Eh. I don’t get the hype. Just tastes like warm grape juice. Not my thing.