Cozy Mulled Wine
In the summer, a chilled glass of wine is refreshing and relaxing at the end of a hot day. But in the winter…sometimes a chilled beverage just makes you colder – not something especially enjoyable in December or January. That’s where mulled wine is a cozy alternative. You can still enjoy your wine, but warm, with spices added. Traditionally, red wine is used, but you can also use white wine.
It also makes a perfect holiday beverage that you can offer your guests to make it a memorable event and is sure to impress. It pairs well with holiday dishes or charcuterie, and is a great conversation piece. It’s a “warm and fuzzy” beverage that is perfect for relaxing.
The German word for mulled wine is Glühwein, which is translated “glow wine”, because it’s been heated. Glühwein is a traditional German beverage served during the holidays (year-round in some areas). In Sweden it is called Glögg and similarly in Denmark, Gløgg.
This isn’t something you want to do in a hurry, especially if you want to simmer it for 3 hours. So plan ahead, buy the spices and wine, and get it going well before the party starts.
Equipment & Tools
Saucepan: This recipe is simmered for hours in a Medium saucepan, helping to infuse the wine with the spices.
Mesh Strainer: You will need a strainer to get the whole spices out of the wine after it is finished simmering. Alternatively you can use a mesh tea ball to place the cloves and star anise into so you don’t have to strain the wine.
Wooden Spoon: I prefer to use a wooden spoon for this recipe, but keep in mind that the red wine could stain the spoon. A whisk would also work.
Ladle & Mugs: For serving!
Ingredients Needed
Dry Red Wine: You will need a bottle of dry red wine for this recipe. It does not need to be an expensive bottle, as the spices will mask the lesser quality of cheaper wines. I like to use Cabernet Sauvignon.
Brandy: You can also use orange liqueur in place of the brandy.
Orange: The orange as a great citrus note to this mulled wine.
Spices: For this recipe, you will need whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and whole star anise.
Sweetener: You can use sugar, honey, or maple syrup to sweeten this wine.
How to Make Cozy Mulled Wine
Prepare: Using a sharp knife, slice the orange into 7-8 slices. If you have a tea ball, place the cloves and star anise. This will make it so you don’t have to strain the wine later as the other ingredients are large enough to remove easily.
Combine Ingredients: Add the wine, brandy, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and the sweetener to a Medium saucepan. Stir briefly to combine.
Bring to a Simmer: Heat the mulled wine on Medium-high heat until it just barely reaches a simmer. Avoid letting it bubble or boil, as you don’t want to boil off the alcohol.
Reduce Heat: Once the wine reaches a simmer, reduce heat to Low. Cover the wine, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 3 hours for a deeper flavor.
Strain the Wine: Using a fine mesh strainer, remove and discard the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. At this point, give the wine a taste and add extra sweetener, if needed.
Serve: Serve this wine warm and in your favorite mugs!
Storage: This is best served freshly made and warm. I wouldn’t recommend reheating or refrigerating, because it can mess a little with the flavors and reduce the nicely balanced alcohol content.
FAQ’s
Cozy Mulled Wine
*Note: Calories and cost is estimated, if provided.
Equipment & Tools
- Medium Saucepan
- Mesh Strainer or Mesh Tea Ball
- Wooden Spoon or Whisk
- Ladle , for serving
- Mugs , for serving
Ingredients
- 1½ L Dry red wine (see notes)
- ¼ cup Brandy or Orange liqueur (see notes)
- 1 large Orange , sliced
- 8 Whole cloves
- 2 Cinnamon sticks
- 2 Whole star anise
- 4 Tbsp Granulated sugar
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, slice 1 large Orange into 7-8 slices. If you have a tea ball, place the 8 Whole cloves and 2 Whole star anise into it, otherwise add it in the next step. This will make it so you don't have to strain the wine later as the other ingredients are large enough to remove easily.
- In a Medium saucepan, add 1½ L Dry red wine, ¼ cup Brandy, 2 Cinnamon sticks, 1 large Orange, orange slices, and tea ball (if using) with the other spices. Stir to combine.
- Heat the mulled wine on Medium-high heat until it just barely reaches a simmer. Avoid letting it bubble or boil — you don’t want to boil off the alcohol.
- Reduce heat to Low, cover, and let the wine simmer for 20 minutes or up to 3 hours.
- Next, using a fine mesh strainer, remove and discard the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Give the mulled wine a taste, and stir in extra sweetener if needed.
- Serve warm in your favorite mugs!
Storage
- This is best served freshly made and warm. I wouldn't recommend reheating or refrigerating, because it can mess a little with the flavors and reduce the nicely balanced alcohol content.
Notes
- Red Wine – Cabernet Sauvignon works well for this.
- Brandy – You can also use orange liqueur, such as Triple Sec, in place of the brandy.
About the Author
Subscribe
Enjoying our content? Stay up to date on all of our latest posts, subscribe now to receive an email every Friday with our new posts of the week!