Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a traditional festive drink made by gently heating red wine with a blend of warming spices, citrus fruits, and sometimes a sweetener. It is a popular beverage during the winter months, especially around Christmas and other holidays. The aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise infuse the wine, creating a comforting and fragrant drink. This classic beverage is cherished for its ability to warm you from the inside out on a chilly day.
Mulled Wine

Preparation

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Mulled Wine is primarily classified as a hot drink, perfect for consumption during colder weather. It falls into the category of holiday or festive beverages, as it is strongly associated with Christmas markets and winter celebrations. Its traditional nature also places it among classic winter warmers.

Serving

Mulled wine is a hot, medium-sized drink served in a heatproof mug or glass to keep it warm and protect your hands. The alcohol content is similar to a standard glass of wine, though some may evaporate during heating.
Serving size
Approx. 180 ml / 6 oz per serving
Alcohol content
Approx. 10-13% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Hot
Glass type
Mug
Glass treatment
Pre-warming the mug with hot water is recommended

Backstory

The tradition of spicing and heating wine dates back to the 2nd century Romans, who would heat wine to protect their bodies against the cold winter. As the Roman legions conquered much of Europe, their love for this beverage spread across the continent and its trade routes. Over the centuries, different regions adapted the recipe with local spices and fruits, leading to the beloved variations we know today.
Origin
The concept originated in Ancient Rome around the 2nd century. It gained widespread popularity throughout Europe during the Middle Ages and has since become a staple winter drink in many cultures, particularly in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Scandinavian countries.

Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine is known by various names across Europe, reflecting its widespread popularity. In German-speaking countries, it is called "Glühwein," which translates to "glow wine," referencing the warm feeling it imparts. In France, it is known as "Vin Chaud," meaning "hot wine." These names all describe the same comforting beverage of heated and spiced wine.
Original name
Mulled Wine
Alternative names
  • Glühwein
  • Vin Chaud
  • Spiced Wine

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a delightful sensory experience with its aromatic blend of spices and citrus, and a flavor profile that is both sweet and fruity. It has a smooth, warm texture and a lingering, spicy aftertaste, making it the quintessential wintery and festive beverage.
Flavor
Spicy, fruity, sweet, citrusy, warming, rich
Aroma
Aromatic, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, orange, red wine
Taste balance
Sweet, acidic
Aftertaste
Long, warming, spicy, smooth
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Deep red, ruby, slightly opaque
Texture
Smooth, liquid, warm
Seasonality
Warming, wintery, festive

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is defined by a prominent fruitiness from the wine and orange, balanced with a high level of spice and moderate sweetness. It has no carbonation and a relatively gentle alcohol strength, creating a well-rounded and comforting profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires a bottle of dry red wine, an orange, and a collection of whole spices including cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Sweetener such as sugar or maple syrup is often added to taste, and a splash of brandy is a popular optional addition for extra richness.
  • Dry Red Wine750 ml / 25.4 oz
    A fruity, full-bodied wine like Merlot, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon works well. Avoid expensive wines, as the nuances will be lost in the spices.
  • Orange1, sliced
    Adds citrus aroma and a touch of sweetness.
  • Cinnamon Sticks2
    Use whole sticks for easy removal and clear flavor.
  • Whole Cloves8
    Adds a pungent, sweet, and aromatic warmth.
  • Star Anise2
    Imparts a subtle licorice-like flavor.
  • Sugar or Maple Syrup2-4 tablespoons, to taste(optional)
    Adjust sweetness based on the wine and personal preference. Honey can also be used.
  • Brandy60 ml / 2 oz(optional)
    Adds extra warmth and depth of flavor. Port or an orange liqueur like Grand Marnier are also excellent choices.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

The primary equipment needed is a large saucepan, pot, or slow cooker to gently heat the wine and spices. You will also need a ladle to serve the finished drink and a strainer to ensure a smooth texture.
  • Large saucepan or slow cooker for heating the ingredients
  • Ladle for serving
  • Fine-mesh strainer for removing spices before serving

Instructions

Preparation involves gently simmering red wine with spices, citrus, and sweetener in a saucepan without boiling it. After the flavors have infused, the mixture is strained and served hot in mugs, often with a fresh garnish.
1. Combine the red wine, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and desired amount of sweetener in a large saucepan or slow cooker.
2. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat until it is hot but not boiling. Boiling will cook off the alcohol and can make the spices taste bitter.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the wine simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. For a richer flavor, you can keep it on low heat for up to 3 hours.
4. If using brandy or another spirit, stir it in just before serving.
5. Strain the Mulled Wine through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the spices and fruit pieces.
6. Ladle the warm wine into heatproof mugs or glasses.
7. Garnish each serving with a fresh orange slice and a cinnamon stick, if desired.

Garnishing

Garnishing Mulled Wine enhances its festive appearance and aroma. Common garnishes include a fresh slice of orange, an extra cinnamon stick in each mug, or a star anise floated on the surface.
  • Orange slice, placed in the mug
  • Cinnamon stick, placed in the mug
  • Star anise, floated on top

Dietary Information

This drink is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. However, it is not always vegan, as some wines use animal-derived fining agents; choose a certified vegan wine to ensure it is suitable for a vegan diet.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The nutritional content of Mulled Wine can vary based on the amount of added sugar and whether spirits are included. On average, a serving contains a moderate amount of calories and sugar, primarily from the wine and added sweeteners.
Calories
Averagely 150-250 kcal / 627-1046 kJ per serving
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-25g per serving
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 12-22g per serving
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfectly suited for any cold-weather occasion, from large holiday parties and Christmas markets to a quiet, cozy evening at home. It's an excellent choice for apres-ski gatherings, warming up guests after a day on the slopes. Its festive character makes it a centerpiece of any winter celebration.
  • Christmas
  • Holiday party
  • Winter gathering
  • Apres-ski
  • Cozy night in

Pairing suggestions

Mulled Wine pairs wonderfully with classic holiday treats and savory snacks. Its spicy-sweet profile complements gingerbread, shortbread, and fruitcake. It also provides a beautiful contrast to a rich cheese board or the simple, earthy flavor of roasted chestnuts.
  • Gingerbread cookies
  • Cheese board (especially with blue cheese or aged cheddar)
  • Roasted chestnuts
  • Shortbread biscuits
  • Mince pies or fruitcake

Mulled Wine: A Cozy Cup of Winter Cheer

Mulled Wine is a comforting, aromatic hot beverage made from red wine gently simmered with a variety of mulling spices, citrus fruit, and a touch of sweetener. Its history stretches back to ancient Rome, and it has become a beloved winter tradition across Europe and beyond, especially during the festive season. Easy to prepare in a large batch, it's the perfect drink to serve at holiday gatherings or to enjoy on a cold night. The combination of warm wine, sweet spices, and bright citrus creates a deeply satisfying and festive experience.