Mulled Wine: Coziness in a Mug

Mulled Wine is the absolute perfect holiday drink. It’s one of those winter beverages that feels like it’s giving you a big, warm hug while drinking it and instantly puts you in that cheerful holiday mood. What is it exactly? Mulled Wine is simply wine that has been sweetened, spiced, and served warm. What’s not to love? And while the holidays might be different this year, and there won’t be as many holiday markets to attend, you can at least enjoy a bit of holiday cheer in your favorite mug.

This holiday favorite is super simple and can be made a few different ways: on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, you can even batch-make it as well. We’ve provided a delicious recipe for you to make your very own Mulled Wine, using the stovetop or a slow cooker. It’s so easy, so don’t even think about buying one of those “pre-mixed” versions! Trust us, you’ll like the real deal much better.

Mulled Wine

serves 6

Ingredients

• 1 (750 ml) bottle red wine 
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 cups apple cider
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 6 whole cloves
• 1 orange zested & juiced (more for garnish)

To make on a stovetop:

Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes

1. Add wine, maple syrup, apple cider, orange zest and orange juice to a large sauce pan. Stir to combine. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise and whole cloves.
2. Bring to a very gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and let simmer for 20 minutes.*
3. Stir in the brandy. Ladle into mugs and garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon stick.
4. Enjoy!

*You can let the Mulled Wine simmer anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour. Just make sure to keep an eye on it periodically.

To make in a slow cooker:

Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 1 hour | Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

1. Add wine, maple syrup, apple cider, orange zest and orange juice to a 3-quart or larger slow cooker. Stir to combine. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise and whole cloves.
2. Cover and heat on the low setting for 1 hour.
3. Stir in the brandy. Ladle into mugs and garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon stick.
4. Enjoy!

*To keep the wine warm, leave the slow cooker on the “Keep Warm” setting.