Spiced Citrus Mulled Wine (Easy Recipe) - Crowded Kitchen (2024)

Published: by Lexi

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This gorgeous, warming, easy-to-make citrus mulled wine is spiced with cinnamon, cloves, star anise and cardamom. It's mulled with apple cider, maple syrup, brandy and plenty of citrus for the perfect comforting holiday co*cktail.

Spiced Citrus Mulled Wine (Easy Recipe) - Crowded Kitchen (1)

Want to instantly make your entire house smell like Christmas? Make this mulled wine.

Seriously, what better holiday aroma than citrus + warming spices like cinnamon and cloves + pear + apple + red wine + maple syrup? It's like 15 different candles all in one.

Mulled wine is easy to make and such a delicious treat. It's perfect for slow sipping while baking holiday cookies (it's especially perfect with these raspberry Linzer cookies!).

Spiced Citrus Mulled Wine (Easy Recipe) - Crowded Kitchen (2)

Haven't made mulled wine before? Here are a few things you should know.

What is mulled wine?

Mulled wine is an alcoholic beverage made with warmed red wine and various mulling spices. It's a popular drink during the holiday season, especially at Christmas markets in Europe.

Mulled wine is also known as Glühwein in Germany, Glögg in Nordic countries and several other variations across the world. (I'll admit, I indulged in quite a bit of Glühwein while studying abroad in Berlin in college!)

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Mulled wine tastes fruity, sweet, spiced, and warming. Though the mixture is heated, it is not boiled, so it still contains alcohol.

What kind of wine is best?

You'll want to use a fruity, full-bodied red wine that will stand up to all of the additional spices/flavors. We love to use a good quality bottle of Pinot Noir, but other options include Shiraz and Merlot.

We always recommend using a wine you would actually drink on its own. Don't go cheap just because you're adding other ingredients –a bad wine won't improve with extra flavors. There's also no need to splurge on a top-notch bottle – go for an everyday wine.

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What you'll need to make mulled wine:

  • 1 bottle of red wine
  • Apple cider: unlike apple juice, raw apple cider does not contain any preservatives or added sweeteners. In the US, you can typically find it in more grocery stores (or local cider mills) from September-January. (Note: it's not the same as hard cider, which contains alcohol)
  • Orange juice: freshly squeezed always tastes best, but if you use store-bought, opt for 100%, no sugar added juice.
  • Brandy: you can also use cognac, bourbon, whiskey or even port.
  • Maple syrup: pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup!
  • Cinnamon: whole cinnamon sticks are best here.
  • Whole Cloves
  • Cardamom: whole cardamom pods are best. Feel free to leave out if you don't like the flavor.
  • Star anise: optional
  • Citrus slices: we use a mixture of blood orange and tangerine, but you can use just about any variety.
  • Pear or apple: we prefer pear slices, but apple work well, too!
  • For garnish: cranberries and pomegranate seeds
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Nonalcoholic version

Not drinking at the moment, or want to serve a fun nonalcoholic version for your kids? Substitute the red wine and brandy with more apple cider for a delicious, perfectly spiced apple cider. All of the flavor, none of the alcohol!

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How to make mulled wine

This spiced citrus mulled wine truly couldn't be easier to make.

Add the wine, cider, brandy and maple syrup to a stock pot over medium-low heat and whisk well.

Add the cinnamon, cloves, star anise, cardamom, one sliced orange and one sliced pear. Bring to a very gentle simmer but do not let the mixture boil, otherwise the alcohol will cook out.

Stir every 10 minutes or so and simmer at low heat for one hour (or up to 3 hours). Remove spices and mulled fruit (it's easiest to do so by straining the liquid through a fine mesh sieve into another pot).

Add in cranberries, pomegranate and another sliced orange and pear. Let infuse for 10-15 minutes at low heat, then serve warm. Cheers!

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Storage

Let the mulled wine cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

More winter co*cktail recipes:

  • Hot Apple Cider co*cktail
  • Cranberry Orange Mimosa
  • Blood Orange Kombucha Margaritas
  • How To Make Infused Liquors (DIY Holiday Gift)
  • Cranberry Orange Whiskey co*cktail
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If you make this spiced citrus mulled wine recipe, we’d love for you to leave a comment and rating below! We also love to see your creations on Instagram – tag us at @crowded_kitchen so we can see what you’ve been cooking.

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Spiced Citrus Mulled Wine (Easy Recipe) - Crowded Kitchen (9)

Spiced Citrus Mulled Wine

★★★★★4.7 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Lexi
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
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Description

This gorgeous, warming, easy-to-make citrus mulled wine is spiced with cinnamon, cloves, star anise and cardamom. It's mulled with apple cider, maple syrup, brandy and plenty of citrus for the perfect comforting holiday co*cktail.

Ingredients

UnitsScale

  • 1 bottle of good quality, fruity red wine (Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Merlot, etc)*
  • 1 ½ cups apple cider*
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or no sugar added store-bought)
  • ½ cup brandy
  • cup maple syrup
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tsp whole cloves
  • 1-2 whole star anise pods (optional)
  • 2 cardamom pods
  • 2 blood oranges, sliced
  • 2 pears, sliced
  • -½ cup pomegranate seeds
  • cup fresh cranberries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Add the wine, cider, orange juice, brandy and maple syrup to a stock pot over medium-low heat and whisk well.
  2. Add the cinnamon, cloves, star anise, cardamom, one sliced orange and one sliced pear. Bring to a very gentle simmer but do not let the mixture boil, otherwise the alcohol will cook out.
  3. Stir every 10 minutes or so and simmer at low heat for one hour (or up to 3 hours). Remove spices and mulled fruit (it's easiest to do so by straining the liquid through a fine mesh sieve into another pot).
  4. Add in cranberries, pomegranate and another sliced orange and pear. Let infuse for 10-15 minutes at low heat, then serve warm. Cheers!

Notes

*We always recommend using a wine you would actually drink on its own. Don't go cheap just because you're adding other ingredients – a bad wine won't improve with extra flavors. There's also no need to splurge on a top-notch bottle – go for an everyday wine.

*Unlike apple juice, raw apple cider does not contain any preservatives or added sweeteners. In the US, you can typically find it in more grocery stores (or local cider mills) from September-January. (Note: it's not the same as hard cider, which contains alcohol).

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: co*cktails
  • Method: Stovetop

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 large glass
  • Calories: 382
  • Sugar: 39.5 g
  • Sodium: 21.6 mg
  • Fat: 0.6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 71.1 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g

Keywords: spiced citrus mulled wine

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Spiced Citrus Mulled Wine (Easy Recipe) - Crowded Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between mulled wine and spiced wine? ›

Mulled wine, also known as spiced wine, is an alcoholic drink usually made with red wine, along with various mulling spices and sometimes raisins, served hot or warm. It is a traditional drink during winter, especially around Christmas.

Which wine is best for mulled wine? ›

The best red wine to use for mulled wine is Merlot, Zinfandel or Garnacha (also called Grenache). These wines are dark, fruity and full bodied, which means they can support all of the flavors we'll be adding. Look for labels that describe the wine as “jammy” or with “notes of vanilla.”

Is mulled wine very alcoholic? ›

Not much. Mulled wine is warmed, not boiled. Usually with added spices. Whether in a still or in boeuf bourguignon, the higher the heat, the more alcohol is released.

How many times can you reheat mulled wine? ›

You can reheat mulled wine as many times as you like, as long as it hasn't been overheated. Always use a thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature. If you plan to use your leftover mulled wine at a later date, keep it in the fridge for up to three days.

Can I use cheap wine for mulled wine? ›

Mulled Wine Ingredients:

Wine: No need to splurge on a pricey bottle — a mid-range bottle of dry red or white wine will do. (Or if you're making a big batch, this is a great recipe to break out a nicer boxed wine too!)

Which country drinks the most mulled wine? ›

This drink is consumed enormously in Scandinavian countries, particularly in Sweden and Denmark, where it is called Glögg and Gløgg respectively (terms meaning "mulled wine" in each language). In Germany, as in most Germanic countries, it is mainly consumed under the name Glühwein.

How long should you heat mulled wine? ›

Method. Put the red wine, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, lemon zest and sugar in a large pan. Cook on a low heat for 10 mins. Remove from the heat and cool, leaving to infuse for about 30 mins.

Does heating mulled wine remove the alcohol? ›

The heat used in mulling encourages greater flavours from the citrus and the spices but also reduces the alcohol content, hence the common addition of a slug of spirit or liqueur just before serving.

How long does homemade mulled wine last? ›

Just follow the directions for your favorite recipe and let the wine simmer with spices until it's deeply infused. Then let the mulled wine cool at room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container, and store it in the fridge — it will keep well there for up to three days.

Can you drink mulled wine straight? ›

Yes. Even though the spiced wine is heated, most of the alcohol remains.

Is mulled wine good or bad for you? ›

The red wine base in mulled wine brings its own set of health benefits. Resveratrol is associated with heart health benefits and may help protect the lining of blood vessels, lower bad cholesterol levels, and prevent blood clots. When consumed in moderation, red wine has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.

How to make mulled wine without burning off the alcohol? ›

First, you just want to heat it up enough to have the spices integrate with the flavor of the wine so keep it on low whether you are using the stove or a crockpot. Second, use the lid. The alcohol will escape as steam so if the steam can escape, the alcohol will remain.

What to do with a bottle of mulled wine? ›

Simply leave it on low or warm, and it will stay nice and warm all night long. Pour it into a thermos – If you have a large enough thermos, you can keep the mulled wine on hand throughout the evening. The thermos will keep it nice and warm, and it will be easy to serve without having to go to the kitchen.

What food to serve with mulled wine? ›

Festive Sweets: Traditional Christmas treats like gingerbread, mince pies, or stollen are an excellent pairing. Their spices harmonise with the wine's own blend of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Savoury Snacks: Try a glass with some pigs in blankets, sausage rolls, or even a simple bruschetta.

What glass to serve mulled wine in? ›

Traditionally, you serve mulled wine in porcelain or ceramic mulled wine mugs. Check out our affordable collection of gracefully decorated options. The shapes and designs can vary, but they all have a wider brim than normal, making it easier to drink.

What is spiced wine? ›

Mulled Wine, sometimes referred to as Spiced Wine, refers to wine, most often of a red variety, infused with various fruits and spices then served warm.

What is spiced wine called? ›

Mulled wine goes by many names—spiced wine, hot wine, glögg, glühwein, and vin chaud are a few I hear used interchangeably. As far as I know, they all essentially refer to the same drink, although the spices and booze of choice may vary depending on the region.

What does it mean when a wine is mulled? ›

The word “mull” means to “to heat, sweeten, and flavor (a beverage, such as wine or cider) with spices,” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Indeed, mulled wine, or spiced wine, is served and enjoyed while hot, making it a perfect drink for the holidays.

What is similar to mulled wine? ›

Just as warming as mulled wine, mulled cider is a less sweet alternative. Made using a similar technique, mulled cider is packed with spices to create a harmonious taste that can be served in mugs or fancy glasses.

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