Mulled wine recipe (plus a kid-friendly version)
Prep: 10 min · Cook: 20 min · Makes: 6 mugs · For:
A pot of mulled wine on the stove makes the whole house smell like the vacation. It is one of the easiest party drinks there is: everything goes into one pan, it keeps warm for hours, and guests can help themselves.
Because there are always little ones around at Christmas, this recipe comes with a kid-friendly mulled cider made with the same spices, so everyone can toast together.
Tips
- Low and slow. Gentle heat brings out the spices without cooking off the alcohol or making it bitter.
- Use whole spices, not ground, so the drink stays clear.
- A slow cooker on low is perfect for keeping it warm at a party.
Drink responsibly
Mulled wine is easy to drink and warm drinks go to your head faster. Offer plenty of food and the alcohol-free version for drivers, and never leave alcoholic drinks where children can reach them.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry, fruity red wine
- 1 cup orange juice or apple cider
- 1 orange, sliced
- ¼ cup honey or sugar, to taste
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- a few slices of fresh ginger (optional)
- Kid-friendly version: 4 cups apple cider or a mix of red grape juice and apple cider instead of the wine and orange juice
Method
- Put the wine, orange juice, orange slices, honey and all the spices in a large pan.
- Warm over a low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring now and then until the honey has dissolved. It should steam gently but never boil, or the alcohol evaporates and the spices turn bitter.
- Taste and add a little more honey if needed.
- Strain out the spices if you like, or leave them in for a festive look, and keep the pan on the lowest heat.
- Ladle into heatproof glasses or mugs with an orange slice in each.
- Kid-friendly version: heat the cider or juice with the same spices and orange slices in a separate pan, clearly labeled, and let it cool until just warm for little ones.
Questions
Which wine is best for mulled wine?
An inexpensive, fruity, unoaked red such as a Merlot, Grenache or Zinfandel. Save the expensive bottles for dinner.
Can I make it ahead?
Make it a few hours ahead and reheat it gently. It also keeps in the fridge for 2 days.
How do I keep children safe at a party?
Make the alcohol-free version in a separate, clearly labeled pot or slow cooker and serve it in different cups, so nobody mixes them up.
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