As winter approaches, it is time to kick off the season of warm beverages, with none being more classic than mulled wine. This drink from over a thousand years ago was once just warmed-up wine, only to be dressed up with many spices and enjoyed by people all over the world, but more so during festive seasons.

The Beauty Of Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine, or Gluhwein in Germany, Vin Chaud in France, and Glogg in other Scandinavian zones is a warm and spiced wine that seeks to comfort many during the winter months. Wine culture can be dated back to the Roman Empire, during which wine was often burned and spiced for flavor.

Each country was christened with another name, among which warming spiced wines were a norm for everyone; even in the Middle Ages, this spice-added practiced wine that shaped elixir regions to wow. However, by the Victorian age in England, mulled wine had transiently gained the festive spirit among society as a beverage, and some references to the drink were made within the boundaries of the book A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

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How to Make Mulled Wine

Choose Your Wine

If using a dry red wine, select a fruity red wine that can be diluted. It is unnecessary to break the bank on a bottle from the high-end range, but get one you’d enjoy drinking—the natural flavors of the aged drink will be essential in the final result. Merlot, Shiraz, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Samignon all seem pretty good for mulling, as some of them are strong enough to withstand the spices without letting them take control.

Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather your spices and other ingredients. You’ll need cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and orange slices for a classic mulled wine. Additional options like nutmeg, cardamom, and ginger can add layers of flavor, while sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or sugar can be adjusted to taste.

Combine Ingredients in a Pot

Pour your wine into a large pot and add the spices, orange slices, and sweetener. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of apple cider for extra fruitiness or a hint of brandy for an added kick.

Heat Gently

Set your pot over low to medium heat and let it warm slowly. Heating too quickly or boiling the wine can burn off the alcohol and create a bitter taste. Instead, allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer over 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow process lets the flavors meld without sacrificing the wine’s natural taste.

Taste and Adjust

After about 15 minutes, taste the mulled wine and adjust as needed. Add more honey or sugar if you prefer it sweeter, or a squeeze of fresh orange juice for added citrus. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices, either—cardamom and ginger, for instance, add a lovely depth.

Serve and Enjoy

Strain the mulled wine to remove the spices and orange slices, then pour it into heatproof glasses or mugs. Garnish with an orange slice, a star anise, or a cinnamon stick for an elegant touch. Serve immediately, and enjoy the warm, spiced aroma and rich flavor.

Mulled Wine Ingredients

1. Red Wine: Most mulled wine recipes start with a dry red wine with rich berry notes. To keep the drink smooth and enjoyable, choose a wine low in tannins (the component that makes wine taste dry and astringent). Merlot, Zinfandel, and Shiraz are popular choices.
2. Oranges: The zest and juice add citrusy brightness, balancing the spices and bringing a festive aroma. For a slightly different flavor, you can experiment with blood oranges or mandarins.
3. Sweetener: Honey or sugar balances the bitterness of the spices and enhances the wine’s fruitiness. Maple syrup or brown sugar also works well, adding a warm, caramel-like sweetness.
4. Cinnamon Sticks: Essential in mulled wine, cinnamon adds warmth and a hint of sweetness that complements the wine’s natural flavors.
5. Cloves: Their slightly bitter, woody flavor adds depth and enhances the festive feel. Be cautious, though, as cloves can easily overpower the mix.
6. Star Anise: This beautiful spice offers a subtle hint of licorice and pairs wonderfully with citrus and cinnamon.
7. Optional Additions: Brandy, apple cider, or vanilla extract can add unique twists to the classic mulled wine. Adding fresh ginger brings a touch of spiciness, while cardamom pods can enhance the fragrance.

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Mulled Wine Holiday Drinks

Apple Cider Mulled Wine

A delightful variation that blends mulled wine with the comforting sweetness of apple cider. This combination adds a hint of tartness that balances the drink, brightening it for a refreshingly lighter taste. It’s a perfect choice for seasonal gatherings, especially around Thanksgiving or family holidays, and garnishing it with a slice of apple or a cinnamon stick adds a festive touch.

White Mulled Wine

Made with dry white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, this version is crisp and refreshing, with a zesty hint from lemon slices, cardamom, and ginger. White mulled wine makes a great addition to a winter brunch or holiday cocktail hour, as it’s not as intense as its red counterpart. Adding a splash of elderflower liqueur or fresh green apple slices introduces a fruity, floral aroma that complements the white wine’s character.

Cranberry Mulled Wine

This variation is festive in color and offers a tart twist to the classic mulled wine profile. It’s perfect for Christmas or other holiday dinners, as the cranberries’ tartness mingles beautifully with the spices and wine. Garnish with fresh rosemary or sugared cranberries for a final flourish to capture the season's essence.

Ginger-Spiced Mulled Wine

Inside, the coziness of the flames and the content, slices of fresh ginger, add a warming spicy edge to the regular cinnamon, nutmeg and clove-spiced wine. The balance of ginger spices and a fruity body of wine gives out a perfect drink appropriate during freezing weather combined with family chilling around the fire. If ginger seems overbearing, a specific amount of honey or maple syrup can be incorporated to soften it with sweetness, bringing a good completion of flavor that is great for some winter evenings.

Bourbon-Infused Mulled Wine

Bourbon is responsible for adding flavor to the mulled wine due to its smokey caramel-like feel, which provides the mouthfeel warmth and density associated with the drink. This variation is better suited for warm-up drinks during festive dinners or after dinner because of its heavy body, which is rich in taste. The finishing touches include the addition of either a few strands of orange peels or a cinnamon stick to this rich seasonal variation of mulled wine.

Easy Recipe to Pair with Mulled Wine

Cheese Fondue

This appealing option will likely be enjoyed with Chantilly or compact spiced wine in the warming pan. The spices in the wine worked well with the thick melted cheese and enhanced the flavor notes, making them very pleasant. Serving the fondue with a selection of dips that include hearty bread, grilled and fried vegetables, and even grilled meats makes it more fun, and it allows the taste of the mulled wine to be appreciated in each bite.

Charcuterie Board

The savory, salty flavors of cured meats and cheeses contrast deliciously with the mulled wine’s sweet spices, while dried fruits like apricots, figs, and dates echo its fruitiness. Adding spiced nuts or dark chocolate pieces rounds out the board, making it an ideal choice for a holiday spread where variety is key.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Seasoned with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic, a roast’s bold flavors are perfectly complemented by the warming spices of mulled wine. The wine’s fruitiness also contrasts the savory meat, making each bite feel balanced and comforting. Accompanying the roast with roasted root vegetables adds a natural sweetness that echoes the wine’s fruity depth, creating a cohesive and satisfying winter meal.

Gingerbread Cookies

The spices in gingerbread—cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg—mirror the mulled wine’s profile, creating a cozy, harmonious dessert pairing. Spiced biscotti with hints of orange zest or almond complement the drink beautifully, making this an ideal choice for after-dinner treats or a dessert table addition. Dipping biscotti in a small bowl of dark chocolate sauce adds a hint of indulgence, enhancing the wine's and the cookies' richness.

Roasted Chestnuts

These soft, earthy nuts have a subtle sweetness that allows the mulled wine’s fruity, spiced flavors to take center stage. Roasted chestnuts are easy to prepare and bring a rustic holiday charm to any gathering. A sprinkle of cinnamon or sea salt enhances their flavor. It makes for a simple yet satisfying pairing with mulled wine, adding a touch of tradition and comfort to your holiday festivities.

Also Read: A Guide to Hot Wines: The Best Varieties to Warm You Up

Conclusion

Mulled wine isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. The aromatic spices, combined with the rich, warm wine, bring an unparalleled sense of comfort and joy. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply indulging in a quiet evening at home, mulled wine can make the moment feel festive and special. Cheers to a warm and happy holiday season!

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