Mulled Wine Recipe

How to Make Mulled Wine Recipe

1. 1

   Step 1: Prep the citrus and spices

   Zest the orange and reserve the zest; then slice the orange in half and cut half into thin rounds for garnish. Thread the cinnamon sticks, cloves and star anise into a small cheesecloth or put them together in a spice infuser — this makes removal easy later.

   For this step

   • 3 stickCinnamon sticks
   • 6 wholeWhole cloves
   • 2 wholeStar anise
   • 1 largeOrange (zest + 1/2 sliced)
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Combine wine, spirits, sweetener and aromatics

   In a large heatproof pot or bowl, pour in the red wine, add the brown sugar and brandy, then stir until the sugar begins to dissolve. Add the orange zest and the prepared spice bundle, giving everything a gentle stir to combine.

   For this step

   • 3 cupsDry red wine (full-bodied)
   • 1/4 cupBrandy (optional, adds warmth)
   • 1/4 cupPacked brown sugar
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Stovetop method — gentle simmer

   Set the pot over low heat and warm the mixture until steam rises and gentle wisps of steam appear, about 10–20 minutes; do not boil or you will cook off the alcohol. Keep the temperature low and taste after 10 minutes to adjust sweetness; remove from heat when fragrant and warm throughout.
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Slow cooker method — hands-off warming

   For make-ahead entertaining, transfer everything to a 4-6 quart slow cooker, set to Low and heat for 2–3 hours so flavors meld without boiling. Keep on Low for serving; the slow cooker will maintain a safe sipping temperature and allow guests to help themselves all evening.
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Strain, garnish and serve

   Remove the spice bundle and strain the mulled wine through a fine sieve into a heatproof pitcher or ladle into mugs. Garnish each serving with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick, and serve warm; refrigerate leftovers and gently reheat before serving.
   

1. Zest the orange and reserve the zest; then slice the orange in half and cut half into thin rounds for garnish. Thread the cinnamon sticks, cloves and star anise into a small cheesecloth or put them together in a spice infuser — this makes removal easy later.
2. In a large heatproof pot or bowl, pour in the red wine, add the brown sugar and brandy, then stir until the sugar begins to dissolve. Add the orange zest and the prepared spice bundle, giving everything a gentle stir to combine.
3. Set the pot over low heat and warm the mixture until steam rises and gentle wisps of steam appear, about 10–20 minutes; do not boil or you will cook off the alcohol. Keep the temperature low and taste after 10 minutes to adjust sweetness; remove from heat when fragrant and warm throughout.
4. For make-ahead entertaining, transfer everything to a 4-6 quart slow cooker, set to Low and heat for 2–3 hours so flavors meld without boiling. Keep on Low for serving; the slow cooker will maintain a safe sipping temperature and allow guests to help themselves all evening.
5. Remove the spice bundle and strain the mulled wine through a fine sieve into a heatproof pitcher or ladle into mugs. Garnish each serving with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick, and serve warm; refrigerate leftovers and gently reheat before serving.