There’s something instantly comforting about a pot of mulled wine simmering on the stove—the air fills with citrus and spice, kids are tucked in (or the game’s on), and you finally get a minute to breathe. These recipes are written for you: simple, cozy, and easy to scale, whether you’re making a mug for one or a kettle for a gathering. I’ll walk you through the flavors, the small tricks that make each version sing, and step-by-step instructions so you don’t have to guess while your kitchen fills with that holiday smell.
You’ll find five delicious takes below: classic, cranberry, apple cider, white, and a slow-cooker crowd pleaser, each with a clear ingredient list, a short two-paragraph taste note, and a step-by-step method. I’ve also included one Amazon-friendly suggested item per recipe to make prep easier. Let’s get cozy.
Classic Mulled Wine
The classic is the one you reach for when you want deep, familiar holiday flavor: robust red wine warmed with orange, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. It’s balanced—citrus brightens, cinnamon warms, and a touch of honey (or sugar) smooths everything into a gently sweet, spiced hug. Add a splash of brandy if you want a boozy, rounded finish.
This version is wonderfully versatile—serve it at a small dinner party with a cheese board, or ladle it into mugs while you wrap gifts. The aroma alone turns any room into a cozy retreat, so let it steep low and slow for the best result.
Ingredients (serves 6–8)
- 1 bottle (750 ml) full-bodied red wine (Merlot, Zinfandel, or similar)
- 1 orange, sliced (reserve a few slices for garnish)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- 1/4 cup honey (or 1/3 cup granulated sugar), adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
- 1/2 cup water (optional, helps the spices bloom)
Step-by-step
- Prep: Slice the orange and measure spices.
- Combine: In a medium saucepan, add the wine, water (if using), orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and honey (or sugar).
- Heat gently: Warm over low heat until the mixture is steaming and small bubbles form at the edge—do not boil. This usually takes ~10–15 minutes.
- Simmer: Keep on very low heat for 20–25 minutes so the spices infuse.
- Taste & adjust: Try and add a bit more honey or sugar if you want it sweeter.
- Finish: Remove from heat, stir in brandy if using. Let rest 5 minutes.
- Strain & serve: Use a fine mesh strainer into mugs, garnish with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
Little helper before you stir: grab a quality spice, it makes all the difference.
Suggested Item: Ceylon cinnamon sticks (whole) — excellent for real, warm cinnamon flavor (available on Amazon).
Spiced Cranberry Mulled Wine
This one is jewel-toned and tangy—cranberry adds bright acidity that pairs beautifully with red wine’s depth. It reads festive and tastes like the holidays: a perfect option when you want something a touch fruitier and slightly tart. Fresh cranberries in the pot give a pretty garnish and a pop of color that’s Instagram-ready.
Because cranberry brings acidity, balance it with a little sweetener (maple syrup or brown sugar work nicely) and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This recipe is delightful served in clear mugs so the color shows through—your guests will love the look as much as the taste.
Ingredients (serves 6–8)
- 1 bottle (750 ml) red wine
- 1 cup unsweetened cranberry juice (or 1 cup fresh cranberries + 1/2 cup water + 1/3 cup sugar, simmered briefly)
- 1 orange, sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg (or a pinch ground nutmeg)
- 2–3 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar, to taste
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
- Handful of fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
Step-by-step
- If using fresh cranberries: simmer cranberries with 1/2 cup water and the sugar for 5–7 minutes until they burst, then mash lightly and strain, reserving the liquid. Otherwise use cranberry juice.
- In a saucepan, combine wine, cranberry liquid/juice, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and maple syrup.
- Warm on low until steaming, avoiding boiling.
- Let the mixture gently infuse for 15–20 minutes.
- Taste for sweetness and add more maple syrup if desired.
- Stir in brandy off the heat if using, strain, and serve with a few floating cranberries and an orange wheel.
Tiny flourish: a clear mug shows off that gorgeous ruby color—serve like a pro.
Suggested Item: Set of clear glass mugs (heatproof) — perfect for showing off color and garnishes.
Apple Cider Mulled Wine
This is autumn in a mug—apple cider brings natural sweetness and a cozy fruitiness that pairs seamlessly with warm spices and red wine. The cider lightens the mouthfeel and adds that toasty, orchard vibe. Add sliced apples and a cinnamon stick for a rustic presentation.
It’s fantastic for daytime gatherings (think bonfires or tailgates) and plays well with smoked or sharp cheeses. If you want it sweeter and deeper, a drizzle of maple syrup elevates the cider’s natural caramel notes.
Ingredients (serves 6–8)
- 1 bottle (750 ml) red wine (or 1 bottle + 1/2 bottle if you want more mellow wine flavor)
- 2 cups apple cider (not apple juice)
- 1 large apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup brandy or apple brandy (optional)
Step-by-step
- In your pot, combine wine, apple cider, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and maple syrup.
- Warm gently over low heat until steaming—no boiling.
- Let it sit on low for 15–20 minutes so the apple and spices marry with the wine.
- Taste and adjust sweetness; add more maple syrup if you like it sweeter.
- Off the heat, stir in brandy if desired, strain, and ladle into mugs with an apple slice garnish.
Make prep easy: a quick apple corer speeds slicing and keeps things neat.
Suggested Item: Apple corer & slicer — saves time and gives evenly sliced apple garnishes.
White Mulled Wine
Swap to white for a lighter, brighter mulled wine that feels elegant and fresh. Using Riesling or a floral Sauvignon Blanc, this version emphasizes citrus, honey, and delicate spices like cardamom and star anise—pear or peach slices are a lovely, subtle addition. It’s bright enough for a brunch or holiday lunch, yet cozy enough for evening.
Because white wine is more delicate, keep the spice level restrained and the infusion time shorter so the fruit notes remain clear. Serve in a glass pitcher or carafe with lemon or pear slices for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients (serves 6–8)
- 1 bottle (750 ml) white wine (Riesling, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/2 cup pear or peach slices (fresh or thinly sliced canned)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (zest the lemon first for extra perfume)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 2–3 tbsp honey (to taste)
- 1/4 cup pear brandy or elderflower liqueur (optional)
Step-by-step
- Combine the white wine, fruit slices, lemon, cinnamon sticks, crushed cardamom pods, and honey in a saucepan.
- Warm on low until steaming—about 8–12 minutes. Avoid extended simmering to preserve the wine’s delicate character.
- Taste and add more honey if you want it sweeter.
- Remove from heat, stir in pear brandy or elderflower liqueur if using.
- Strain into a pretty pitcher or heatproof glasses and garnish with a lemon twist or pear slice.
Serve like a grown-up: a clear pitcher shows off the pale, pretty color and fruit slices.
Suggested Item: Elegant glass pitcher or carafe — for stylish serving and easy pouring.
Slow Cooker Mulled Wine (Party Mode)
If you’re hosting and want to keep your hands free, this slow cooker method is a game changer. It’s set-and-forget: add wine, juice, spices, and fruit to the crock, pop it on low, and the house will smell like the holidays for hours. It’s perfect for buffets, open houses, or any gathering where guests come and go.
You can scale this up easily—use two bottles of wine or a mix of wine and apple cider for variety. Keep the slow cooker on the “warm” setting once it’s reached serving temperature to avoid overcooking the wine.
Ingredients (serves 10+ depending on crock)
- 2 bottles (2 x 750 ml) red wine
- 1–2 cups apple cider or orange juice (optional, for added sweetness/body)
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 4–6 cinnamon sticks
- 8–10 whole cloves
- 3–4 star anise
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or to taste
- 1/2–3/4 cup brandy (optional)
Step-by-step
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and give a gentle stir to dissolve sugar.
- Cover and heat on LOW for 2–3 hours—check after 1 hour to taste and adjust sweetness.
- If the crock gets too hot, switch to the “warm” setting; avoid boiling.
- When guests arrive, use a ladle and a funnel to fill a serving dispenser or mugs.
- Keep the lid on between servings to retain aroma and temperature; stir gently occasionally.
Host hack: keep small mason jars or heatproof cups nearby so guests can grab and go.
Suggested Item: Programmable slow cooker (medium size) — keeps your mulled wine warm and frees your stovetop.
Final Thoughts
Mulled wine is the easiest way to make your home feel intentionally cozy. These five variations give you options—classic warmth, tart cranberry, orchard apple, a light white version, or a convenient slow-cooker batch for guests. Each recipe is forgiving; taste as you go and tweak the sweetener or spices to match your preference.
If you need to make an alcohol-free version, substitute red or white grape juice and extra apple cider for the wine and follow the same steps—still just as cozy and crowd-pleasing. Now put on some music, light a candle, and pour yourself a mug.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Leave a Reply