Food & Cooking Recipes Drink Recipes Mulled Wine 4.1 (219) This hot spiced wine is like Christmas in a glass. Close Credit: Jake Sternquist Prep Time: 15 mins Total Time: 45 mins Servings: 4 Jump to recipe Mulled wine is a festive tradition for Christmas and other holiday parties—and it’s simple to make. Red wine is mulled, which means heated with spices, and the smell will make your kitchen so festive. It takes 45 minutes from start to finish, but most of that time is the wine and a little brandy simmering gently on the stovetop. Strain the spices out for serving and garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange— and enjoy the cozy warmth of this special drink and inhale its aroma with every sip. 16 Holiday Appetizers to Get the Party Started What Is Mulled Wine? Also known as spiced wine or glühwein in Germany, mulled wine is a hot spiced red wine made during the winter and especially around Christmas. Typically spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, peppercorns, and cloves are used for mulling but recipes vary widely and can include allspice, nutmeg, or other warm spices. Brandy is often added, but some mulled wine recipes do not add any other liquor; some add brandy and an orange liqueur. What's the Best Wine to Use for Mulling? Our mulled wine recipe calls for a fruity red wine but any red wine will work. While you do not need to splurge on a bottle to make mulled wine, you also should not buy a bottle you wouldn't consider drinking. Opt for a reasonably priced red that isn't bone dry, such as a Merlot or Zinfandel. How to Serve Mulled Wine Mulled wine should be served in heatproof glasses or other receptacles that can resist heat such as tea cups or small mugs. Make sure it has cooled a little before transferring it to the glasses. Warm it over medium-low heat if it cools too much How to Make Mulled Wine Ahead This mulled wine recipe can be made up to two hours before serving. Reheat it gently as outlined above. Alternatively, put it in a slow cooker set to low and leave a ladle out so guests can serve themselves. Directions Credit: Jake Sternquist Zest and juice orange: Using a microplane or fine grater, zest the orange. Then juice it. Credit: Jake Sternquist Bruise cardamom pods: With the flat side of a knife, press firmly on the cardamom pods to bruise them. Credit: Jake Sternquist Heat mulled wine: In a large pot, combine zest, juice, spices, wine, sugar, and brandy. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until sugar dissolves, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low; simmer until flavors have melded, about 30 minutes. Do not use an aluminum pot for this recipe. Credit: Jake Sternquist Strain, garnish, and serve Pour through a fine-mesh sieve to remove spices; garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick if desired, and serve immediately. Variations Swap the brandy for Grand Marnier or Cointreau.Use rum in place of the brandy.Go with clementines in place of the orange. They will add a slightly softer citrus flavor. How Long Does Mulled Wine Keep? If you have any leftover mulled wine, let it cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to two days. Other Festive Party Drink Recipes to Try Christmas Punch Martha’s Classic Eggnog Red Wine Spritzers Mulled White Wine Mulled Blood Orange Punch Updated by Victoria Spencer Victoria Spencer Victoria Spencer is an experienced food editor, writer, and recipe developer. She manages the decorvow recipe archive and is always curious about new ingredients and the best techniques. She has been working in food media for over 20 years.