Mulled Wine: A Complete Guide

I’ve spent years indulging in the cozy tradition of mulled wine. From winter markets in Germany to Christmas celebrations around the globe, I’ve tasted, tweaked, and perfected recipes that bring warmth and spice to cold nights. Let me share everything I know about mulled wine—its history, ingredients, the best variations, and my personal favorite ways to make it.

What is Mulled Wine?

Mulled wine, often called spiced wine, is a beverage made from red or white wine simmered with spices and fruits. It’s especially popular during the winter holidays, most notably Christmas, bringing festive warmth to gatherings. While its exact origins are debated, many trace it back to the Romans, who warmed wine to fend off the chill of winter. Today, mulled wine has regional variations across Europe, each with its unique twist.

Mulled Wine Ingredients

At its core, mulled wine is simple: wine, spices, and sweeteners. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components:

• Wine: Traditional recipes use dry red wine, though variations with white wine exist. The key is to choose a moderately priced wine—don’t waste your best bottles here as the spices will dominate.
• Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, and star anise are the heart of most recipes. Other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, and ginger are often added to personalize the flavor.
• Fruit: Orange slices are the go-to, but apples, lemons, or even pomegranate can be used for a fruity punch.
• Sweeteners: Depending on your taste, honey, sugar, or maple syrup can add sweetness. Brandy or orange liqueur also gives mulled wine its signature kick.

How to Make Mulled Wine (Simple Mulled Wine Recipe)

If you're looking for an easy mulled wine recipe to impress your guests, here's one of my go-tos:

• Ingredients: 1 bottle of dry red wine, 2-4 tablespoons of honey or sugar, 1 orange (sliced), 2 cinnamon sticks, 8 cloves, 1 star anise, and ¼ cup of brandy (optional).
• Instructions: Combine the ingredients in a large saucepan, bring to a simmer, and let it infuse for 15-30 minutes. Make sure not to boil it, as that will burn off the alcohol. Strain, serve, and enjoy!

Famous Types of Mulled Wine

1. German Glühwein: One of the most iconic versions, Glühwein is found in Christmas markets across Germany. It’s typically made with red wine, spiced with cloves, cinnamon, and citrus, and sometimes enhanced with a shot of rum.
2. Nordic Glögg: Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Denmark have their variation called Glögg. This mulled wine is often stronger, with the addition of vodka or aquavit, and includes almonds and raisins.
3. British Mulled Cider: If you’re not in the mood for wine, try making mulled cider instead. Apple cider combined with spices, a splash of bourbon, or rum, makes a delightful, slightly lighter alternative.
4. Italian Vin Brulé: In Italy, particularly in the northern regions, vin brulé is a popular winter beverage. It’s similar to German Glühwein, made with red wine, sugar, and classic spices like cloves and cinnamon, often served at Christmas markets and winter festivals.
5. Dutch Bisschopswijn: The Dutch variation of mulled wine, Bisschopswijn, is traditionally enjoyed around Sinterklaas. Made with red wine, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves, its name means "bishop’s wine" and has deep historical ties to ecclesiastical celebrations.
6. French Vin Chaud: Found across French ski resorts and Christmas markets, vin chaud (literally "hot wine") is made with red wine, sugar, citrus, and spices. It's especially popular in the mountainous regions during winter holidays.
7. Portuguese Candola: In Portugal, particularly in the Azores, Candola is a version of mulled wine often made with both wine and spirits like rum or brandy, mixed with sugar and spices, offering a rich and slightly more alcoholic take on the traditional mulled wine.
8. Brazilian Vinho Quente: A Brazilian twist on mulled wine, Vinho Quente is served during the country’s June festivities (Festas Juninas). It’s prepared with red wine, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, and often includes pieces of fruit like apples, making it a festive alternative to mulled wine during Brazil’s winter months.

Cultural Importance of Mulled Wine at Christmas

Mulled wine is synonymous with Christmas in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe. From the Christmas markets of Vienna and Berlin to small-town holiday fairs, this drink is a festive staple. It’s often enjoyed outdoors in the brisk winter air, warming hands and hearts alike.

In the UK, mulled wine is a classic part of Christmas parties, while in Germany and Austria, it’s served in decorative mugs at Christmas markets, each region’s recipe reflecting local traditions. Nordic countries bring their unique spin, adding dried fruit, cardamom, and even a shot of something stronger to their Glögg.

My Personal Favorite: The Best Mulled Wine Recipe

Over the years, I’ve perfected what I believe is the best mulled wine recipe. I prefer to use a rich red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel. I add a bit of orange liqueur (Cointreau works wonders) for a citrusy kick and balance the spice with a touch of maple syrup. For fruit, I swear by the combination of orange and pomegranate—it adds a depth of flavor that elevates the drink.

Here’s my ultimate recipe:

• Ingredients: 1 bottle of red wine, ¼ cup of Cointreau, 1 sliced orange, 1 sliced apple, a handful of pomegranate seeds, 8 cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 star anise, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and a splash of apple cider for extra fruitiness.
• Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a pot, bring to a low simmer, and let it infuse for 30 minutes to an hour. The longer, the better, but make sure it never boils.

Gordon Ramsay Recipe

Here is a recipe that was invented by Gordon Ramsay to make a mulled wine with five Michelin stars.

First, pour red wine into a pan and gently heat it. Now, you're going to make a fragrant bouquet garni—basically a really nice aromatic teabag. Muslin cloth is absolutely perfect for this. If you don't have muslin cloth, a brand new J-cloth is just as good.

First off, cardamom pods—they're incredibly aromatic and, more importantly, give the wine a really nice, dense, spicy flavor. Next, add a pinch of cloves. Cloves are dried flower buds and have a lovely pungent, sweet flavor. Then drop in a couple of star anise, which adds an aniseed note. Add a cinnamon stick—cinnamon sticks are made from the bark of trees native to Sri Lanka. Break one in, as it gives a warm, sweet spice to the wine.

For a twist, add lemongrass, which makes the wine slightly more exciting, with a nice light Asian flavor. First, press down on the lemongrass to release all its oils and flavor. Once it's crushed, cut it and place it over the muslin cloth.

Once all your spices are in, fold the muslin cloth and tie it tightly, like a little chef's pillow. Place it into the wine. Next, add some orange zest twists, then cut the orange into wedges and pop those in as well.

To sweeten the wine, add a tablespoon of Demerara sugar. Then, add some stem ginger, which gives the mulled wine a bit of a kick—almost like that nice ginger beer aftertaste at the back of your throat. Finally, add a couple of tablespoons of ginger syrup. Then, simply heat the wine gently for four to five minutes to infuse all those fantastic flavors. But don't let it boil, or the alcohol will evaporate.

Next, the most amazing spiced nuts. I recommend Brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, and, finally, pistachios—a lovely, festive mix. As the nuts toast, they start to release their natural oils. Then, add a couple of pinches of salt and let them lightly toast.

Once the nuts start to color, add half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which is made from ground chilies, and sprinkle in half a teaspoon of paprika, a milder spice made from dried pimentos for sweetness. Now you can see the nuts absorbing all that wonderful flavor—delicious!

Finally, add a sprig of rosemary. Give the pan a good toss to make sure all the nuts are thoroughly coated, and they’re done.

Fun Variations and DIY Kits

Mulled wine is a versatile drink that lends itself to countless variations, adapting to everyone’s tastes and preferences. From fruity twists to more spiced recipes, here are some of the best ways to enjoy Mulled Wine with Apple or Apple Cider, Mulled Wine with Orange or Orange Juice, and many more.

• Apple Mulled Wine is a classic choice, using apple slices and cider to add sweetness and depth to the drink. Prefer a lighter touch? Try Apple Cider Mulled Wine, where apple cider replaces traditional wine, offering a softer, sweeter taste.
• If you're into citrus flavors, Mulled Wine with Orange Juice adds a bright, fresh touch with orange juice. Fresh orange slices or zest are also popular in Mulled Wine with Orange, providing a citrus note that perfectly complements the spices.
• For those who enjoy more intense flavors, Mulled Wine with Berries is the ideal option. Try Cherry Mulled Wine with fresh or dried cherries, or Blackberry Mulled Wine, which brings a rich fruity taste. If you prefer something fresher, Raspberry Mulled Wine or Blueberry Mulled Wine offer a delightful mix of fruits and spices.
• Looking for something different? Pomegranate Mulled Wine offers a unique blend of sweetness and tartness, elevating traditional spiced wine with pomegranate juice or seeds.

Each of these variations brings something new to the table, whether it’s a fruity twist or a spiced punch, making mulled wine perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy night in.

The Best Wine for Mulled Wine

The beauty of mulled wine lies in its adaptability. You can use any decent wine, but I find that full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz work best. They stand up to the strong flavors of the spices without getting lost.

Ultimately, the best mulled wine recipe is the one that brings you the most joy. Experiment, tweak the spices, and find your perfect blend. Whether served at a bustling Christmas market or at a cozy family gathering, mulled wine is more than just a drink—it’s a tradition that brings people together.

I hope this guide has inspired you to make mulled wine a part of your winter celebrations. Cheers to warmth, spice, and good company!

Mulled Wine FAQ

Is mulled wine just hot wine? What is the point of mulled wine? What is the name of mulled wine? Is mulled wine very alcoholic? Is spiced wine the same as mulled wine? Can you reheat mulled wine? How long does mulled wine last? What does mulled wine taste like?