Warm Mulled Wine Cocktail Recipe

This simple recipe walks you through making a delicious warm mulled wine cocktail at home with just a handful of basic ingredients. The scent that fills my kitchen is honestly half the fun, and it turns even a regular night into something a little more special.

There’s just something about sharing cozy drink recipes, right? Warm mulled wine is one of my absolute favorites—especially when it’s freezing outside.

Whenever I whip up a batch, I like to play around with different spices or toss in whatever fruit I’ve got on hand. The end result is always rich, a little sweet, and has that gentle spicy kick.

It’s the sort of drink that begs to be shared, whether you’re with family or just a couple friends.

Warm Mulled Wine Cocktail Recipe

If I had to pick a go-to drink for cold nights, this would be it. Mulled wine brings together a bold red wine with cozy spices like cinnamon and cloves, plus a few extras like orange slices and cranberries for a little flair.

With just a few tools, you can have this warming drink ready at home.

Equipment

• Large pot, Dutch oven, or slow cooker (for heating the wine)
• Fine mesh strainer (to fish out the spices later)
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle (definitely makes pouring easier)
• Glass mugs or heatproof cups

I usually reach for a heavy-bottomed pot or my trusty Dutch oven when I’m using the stove, just to avoid scorching the wine. For parties, the slow cooker is a lifesaver since it keeps everything warm without fuss.

Straining is key—nobody wants a mouthful of cloves. Measuring spoons keep me from going overboard with the spices, though I’ll admit sometimes I just eyeball it.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of full-bodied red wine (cabernet sauvignon, merlot, zinfandel, pinot noir, or syrah)
• 1 orange (plus more for slices and garnish)
• 8-10 whole cloves
• 3 whole cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, granulated sugar, or honey (sweeten to taste)
• 1/4 cup brandy, bourbon, or dark rum (optional, but fun)
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or fresh orange juice (optional)
• 10 whole allspice berries
• 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 4-5 cardamom pods (optional, but I like them)
• 1/3 cup fresh cranberries (optional, but festive)

My go-to is a bold, dry red like cabernet or merlot—something that can stand up to all those spices. Sometimes I’ll splash in a bit of maple syrup or orange juice if I’m in the mood.

The mix of spices and wine makes the whole house smell amazing, honestly.

Instructions

• Pour the wine into your pot or slow cooker.
• Toss in the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and allspice.
• Slice up your orange, squeeze in a little juice, and throw the slices in too.
• Add your sweetener—brown sugar, honey, or whatever you’re using.
• If you’re feeling festive, toss in cranberries and a splash of brandy or rum.
• Warm everything gently over low heat for about 30–45 minutes, stirring now and then. Don’t let it boil!
• Strain out the spices, fruit, and cranberries with your mesh strainer.
• Ladle the hot mulled wine into glass mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice if you’re feeling fancy.

Take it slow—letting the spices infuse makes all the difference. Boiling is a no-go; it’ll mess with the taste and the alcohol.

Notes

A bold red wine like cabernet sauvignon or zinfandel really holds its own with the spices. Merlot or syrah are great too.

If you want it sweeter, just add a bit more honey or maple syrup. Not into sweet? Cut back on the sugar.

There’s also glögg, a Scandinavian twist that uses extra dried fruit and almonds. Sometimes I’ll add cardamom pods for something different.

For big batches, the slow cooker keeps things warm for hours—super convenient. Heatproof mugs are the way to go (plastic is a no from me).

For garnish, I like a fresh orange slice or a whole cinnamon stick in each glass. If there’s any left, I let it cool, stash it in the fridge for up to three days, and just reheat gently when I want another cup.

Tasting Notes

When I sip this warm mulled wine, there’s this mix of sweet and spiced flavors that hits right away. The wine’s fruitiness kind of blends in with cinnamon, cloves, and just a touch of orange.

Each sip really does warm me up, which feels especially nice during the holidays. The aroma is inviting too—sort of like a hot toddy or maybe even apple cider.

It fills my kitchen with those cozy scents that remind me of winter parties and nights spent indoors. There’s definitely a difference from regular wine; those extra spices turn it into something richer, maybe even a little deeper.

The alcohol content in mulled wine is a bit lower than some cocktails, mostly because it’s simmered and sometimes diluted. It’s gentle and comfortable, so I can actually enjoy a mug while chatting with friends or celebrating with family.

For wine lovers, this is a fun way to enjoy their favorite drink in the winter. It’s a pretty perfect holiday option to serve instead of—or even alongside—hot chocolate or cider. The taste stands out, honestly, because it’s both classic and unmistakable.