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Glasses of mulled wine with cinnamon sticks and star anise

Warm red wine simmered with citrus and holiday spices

Spiced Mulled Wine

Spiced Mulled Wine

25 minEasy

Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

20 min

Total Time

25 min

Servings

6

6 cups

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

$

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Spiced Mulled Wine

Warm red wine simmered with citrus and holiday spices

A warming pot of red wine gently simmered with cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and fresh orange. The quintessential holiday drink for cold winter evenings.

5m

Prep Time

20m

Cook Time

25m

Total Time

6

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

French CuisineSnackVeganGluten-FreeDairy-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

November 20, 2023(Updated April 13, 2026)

This mulled wine fills your home with the most incredible holiday aroma while simmering on the stove. The spiced, warm red wine with citrus is the perfect drink for holiday gatherings and cozy nights by the fire.

Why This Recipe Works

Simmering (never boiling) the wine allows the spices to infuse without cooking off the alcohol. A touch of sweetener rounds out the tannins and balances the spice.

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine
  • 1 orange, sliced into rounds
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 whole star anise
  • 1/4 cup honey or sugar
  • 6 whole cloves

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine wine, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and honey in a large saucepan.

  2. 2

    Heat over medium-low heat until steaming and just barely simmering, about 15-20 minutes. Do not boil.

  3. 3

    Reduce heat to low and let steep for an additional 10 minutes for deeper spice flavor.

  4. 4

    Taste and adjust sweetness with more honey if desired.

  5. 5

    Ladle into mugs through a strainer or serve with the spices and orange slices for garnish.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve alongside a fresh baguette and salted butter

  • Pair with a crisp green salad with Dijon vinaigrette

  • Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering

  • Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor

Substitutions

Red wineApple cider

Creates a non-alcoholic mulled cider with the same cozy spice profile

HoneyMaple syrup

A richer, more autumnal sweetness

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Use an inexpensive, fruit-forward red wine like Merlot or Cabernet—the spices do the heavy lifting.

  • Keep warm in a slow cooker on the "warm" setting for a self-serve party station.

Storage

Refrigerate strained wine for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat; never boil or the alcohol and flavor degrade.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (0mg) · 6 servings

Calories165
LowModerateHigh

A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein0g
Carbohydrates0g
Fat18g
Fiber10mg
Sugar1g
Sodium14g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the alcohol cook off?
Some does, but since you never boil, most of the alcohol remains. Simmering 20 minutes retains about 85%.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Substitute grape juice or pomegranate juice for the wine with great results.

Explore More

More French RecipesMore SnackVegan RecipesGluten-Free RecipesDairy-Free RecipesStovetop Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

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