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.