The Best Ever Mulled Wine

Classic red wine meets a cozy fall drink in my favorite concoction yet. This is The Best Ever Mulled Wine recipe, and it’s so simple and easy to make. It’s perfect for holiday parties, Thanksgiving, or anytime that you crave a drink that is both cozy and boozy. Make it with me, and you’ll see!

Mulled wine is not just delicious – it’s a total vibe. I mean, is there anything better than putting on some silk pajamas, turning on the fireplace, cozying up under a thick blanket, and sipping on mulled wine while rain (or snow, if you’re lucky!) falls outside? It’s practically the quintessential cozy winter drink, and I am here for it. After all, any excuse to drink wine is a “win” in my book. 😉

While mulled wine is often reserved exclusively for holiday parties, after the mess that was 2020, I’ve learned that every day is truly worth celebrating. In my house, there’s no such thing anymore as saving things for “special occasions.” Now, every day is a special occasion, which means that anytime I’m craving mulled wine is the perfect excuse to make it!

I especially love this recipe because it’s super simple and easy to make. In fact, it comes together in just a few minutes, and with just a few ingredients! And if you do a good amount of holiday cooking, then you might even have the ingredients on-hand, which means you have no excuse not to make this recipe right now! 😉

What You Need to Make The Best Ever Mulled Wine

• Merlot: Merlot is a deep red wine that has hints of cherry and dark chocolate. It’s rich and luxurious… just like you!
• Oranges: Fresh orange slices add a refreshing twist to this recipe. Don’t skip em!
• Brandy: Brandy adds a certain sweetness and lightness to this mulled wine.
• Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds a delicious touch of sweetness, without the refined sugars!
• Spices: In this recipe, we’ll be using a combination of cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves. Yum!
• Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are a “must” in this recipe. They taste delicious, and make for a beautiful garnish!

How to Make The Best Ever Mulled Wine

1. Start by slicing one orange in half, and the second orange into even slices. Set aside your oranges once they’re cut.
2. Next, heat a large pot on the stove over low-medium heat.
3. Add in your orange slices, then squeeze the juice from the orange halves into the pot.
4. Then, pour in your merlot, followed by the brandy, maple syrup, and spices, stirring to fully incorporate.
5. Turn the heat up to medium to warm the mixture; just be sure to watch it carefully, so it doesn’t boil to bubble up (we just want it to steam). This should take about 4-5 minutes at most.
6. Next, reduce the heat to low and taste; if it’s not sweet enough for your liking, you can add in a dash more maple syrup. If you want it spicier, let it sit for up to another 5 minutes so the spices infuse.
7. Serve in mugs, garnish, and enjoy!

Tips for Making Your Mulled Wine Truly the *Best* Ever

While this recipe is practically foolproof, here are some ways to ensure that your mulled wine truly turns out the best!

Opt for a Mid-Range Wine

• While I don’t necessarily recommend choosing a cheap wine for this recipe, you also don’t need to go all-out and use a top shelf wine (in fact, please don’t!) I recommend sticking within the mid-range; a bottle between $15 – $20 should be perfect for this recipe!
• My favorite place to get a nice mid-tier wine is either Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. They both have a great selection!

Low and Slow is the Way to Go

• Wine is delicate and sensitive to heat, so heating it too quickly can cause trouble. Instead, cook your wine down on low, just until it’s steaming. Once it’s steaming, you’re good to go!

Remember to Let the Wine Shine

• While we are using spices in this recipe, and they absolutely add a wonderful taste to this recipe, remember not to go too heavy-handed on the spices. We still want the wine’s natural flavors to shine, and to come out in this recipe. 🙂

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and rating below! And since I practically live on Instagram, be sure to tag me in your creations so I can see them and repost on my IG stories! Enjoy! xx