Warm Winter Spiced Delight

Mulled Wine, also known as Glühwein, is a festive and warming winter punch that brings the flavors of Christmas to life. This German-inspired drink is a delightful combination of red wine, apple cider, and an array of aromatic spices. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply wanting to cozy up by the fire, this mulled wine recipe is sure to become a beloved tradition.

Warm Winter Spiced Delight

A festive and warming mulled wine recipe with red wine, apple cider, and an array of aromatic spices.

4.45 from 74 votes
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Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 20 mins

Ingredients

  • 5 oz. red wine (use a fruity and sweet red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened apple cider
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/2 vanilla bean, cut lengthwise
  • 2 star anise
  • 1/4 tsp cloves
  • 1/4 tsp fresh ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp brandy
  • 2-3 slices of lemon
  • 2-3 slices of lime
  • cranberries (optional, for garnish)
  • 1/4 small orange, sliced

Instructions

  1. In a pot or slow cooker, combine the red wine, apple cider, and honey, and heat over low to medium heat.
  2. In a small saucepan, roast the cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, star anise, cloves, and nutmeg over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the roasted spices to the wine mixture and continue heating for 25-30 minutes, ensuring it doesn't boil and stirring to dissolve the honey.
  4. Just before serving, add the brandy and about half of the sliced fruit to the mulled wine, reserving the rest for garnish.
  5. Ladle the mulled wine into mugs, leaving the seasonings behind. Add a cinnamon stick, cranberries, and some of the sliced fruit to each glass for garnish. Enjoy!
  6. Mulled wine can be left on the stovetop to heat for several hours and can also be stored in the fridge and reheated the next day.