Embrace the magic of winter with this incredibly simple and aromatic homemade mulled wine. Infused with a delightful blend of warm spices, this comforting beverage is the quintessential cozy drink for chilly evenings, holiday gatherings, or simply unwinding by the fire. Best of all, this recipe is designed to be completely gluten-free and vegan, ensuring everyone can enjoy its delightful warmth.

There’s something truly special about the scent of mulled wine simmering on the stovetop. It instantly fills your home with an inviting aroma, signaling the start of the festive season and promising a comforting embrace in a mug. Forget store-bought mixes; crafting your own mulled wine from scratch is not only easy but allows you to customize the flavors to your exact preference.

What is Mulled Wine? A Timeless Winter Tradition

Mulled wine is a warm, spiced alcoholic beverage, traditionally made by gently heating red wine with various sweeteners, whole spices, and often fruits or additional liqueurs. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Roman times, where heated wine was used as a way to preserve it and improve its flavor.

Over centuries, mulled wine evolved into the beloved winter drink we know today, becoming particularly popular across Europe during the colder months and holiday season. Each country often boasts its own unique version, with names like Glühwein in Germany, vin chaud in France, and Glögg in the Nordic countries. While the specific spices and additions may vary, the core concept remains the same: a comforting, aromatic wine designed to warm you from the inside out.

The beauty of mulled wine lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience, a symbol of warmth, celebration, and togetherness. Its comforting nature makes it perfect for cozying up during chilly winter evenings, whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a quiet night in, or just need a delicious way to beat the cold.

Why You’ll Adore This Easy Mulled Wine Recipe:

This homemade mulled wine recipe stands out for several reasons, making it an absolute must-try this winter:

• Effortlessly Simple Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for exotic items. All the main components for this easy mulled wine recipe are readily available at your local grocery store. We’re talking about common spices, a good bottle of red wine, and some citrus. No fancy, hard-to-find ingredients required, making it accessible for everyone!
• Incredibly Easy and Quick to Prepare: Hosting a last-minute gathering or craving a warm drink on a whim? This recipe is your answer. With just about 5 minutes of active prep time, you can have a batch of this wonderfully aromatic mulled wine ready to enjoy in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy holiday seasons or when you just want a quick comforting treat.
• 100% Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free & Vegan-Friendly: One of the best aspects of this particular recipe is its inclusive nature. It is entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. This means that guests with Celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or those following a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle can indulge in this delightful drink without any concerns or dietary restrictions. It’s a crowd-pleaser for all!
• Customizable Flavor Profile: While we provide a fantastic base recipe, mulled wine is all about personal preference. You can easily adjust the sweetness, the intensity of the spices, or even add different types of fruit to tailor it perfectly to your taste buds.
• Fills Your Home with a Magical Aroma: Beyond the taste, the process of making mulled wine fills your kitchen (and your entire home!) with an incredible, festive aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus. It’s an instant mood-lifter and sets a wonderfully inviting atmosphere.

Gather Your Ingredients: The Essentials for Perfect Mulled Wine

Making a truly exceptional mulled wine starts with a selection of simple yet high-quality ingredients. Here’s a visual overview of what you’ll need to create this warming elixir. Each component plays a crucial role in building that signature cozy flavor.

(For the precise measurements, please scroll down to the comprehensive printable recipe card located at the very bottom of this post.)

While the list is short and sweet, remember that the quality of your ingredients, especially the wine and spices, will significantly impact the final taste. Opt for fresh citrus and fragrant whole spices for the best results.

Recipe Notes & Expert Substitutions: Customize Your Mulled Wine

One of the joys of making mulled wine at home is the ability to adapt it to your taste. Here are some essential notes and substitution ideas to help you craft your perfect batch:

• Choosing the Right Wine:
  • Recommendation: I highly recommend selecting a dry or semi-dry red wine. Look for varieties with a good body and robust flavor that can stand up to the spices without being overpowered. Excellent choices include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah (or Shiraz), Grenache, or Zinfandel.
  • What to Avoid: Steer clear of very sweet wines, as adding sugar and fruit to an already sweet wine can result in an overly cloying drink. Unless that’s your explicit preference, a dry wine provides a better balance.
  • Budget-Friendly is Best: There’s no need to splurge on an expensive bottle! The heating process and the addition of strong spices will naturally diminish the subtle nuances of finer wines. An affordable yet palatable red wine will perform beautifully in this recipe. Save your premium bottles for sipping un-mulled!
• Sweetener Options:
  • Brown Sugar: My preferred choice, as its molasses notes complement the warm spices perfectly.
  • Alternatives: Granulated white sugar, cane sugar, or coconut sugar can be used with similar results. For a different flavor profile, maple syrup or agave nectar work wonderfully, especially for a strictly vegan option. Adjust the amount to your sweetness preference.
• Citrus Selection:
  • Orange Slices: These add a bright, zesty citrus flavor that is classic in mulled wine. They also release beautiful oils when heated.
  • Other Great Options: Lemon slices offer a sharper tang, while grapefruit slices provide a slightly bitter and complex note. For a different twist, consider adding apple slices or even dried cranberries for a touch of tartness and festive color.
  • Important Note: Always wash your citrus fruit thoroughly before slicing, especially since the peel will be in direct contact with the wine. Organic is a great choice if available.
• Spice Combinations:
  • My Blend: I love using a mix of whole spices like star anise, fragrant cinnamon sticks, aromatic whole cardamom pods, and pungent whole cloves. Using whole spices makes straining much easier and prevents a gritty texture.
  • Additional Spices: Feel free to experiment! Fresh ginger slices add a lovely zing, while a few black peppercorns can introduce a subtle warmth. Bay leaves, allspice berries, or a pinch of ground nutmeg (added after straining for best results, or use whole nutmeg and grate fresh) are also excellent additions.
• Optional Boosts: For an extra layer of flavor and warmth, consider adding a splash of brandy, Grand Marnier, Cointreau (for orange flavor), or port wine at the very end of the simmering process, just before serving. This can deepen the alcoholic content and complexity.

How to Craft Homemade Mulled Wine (Step by Step Guide):

Creating this delicious mulled wine is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fragrant, warming beverage ready to enjoy in no time. The key is gentle heat and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

1. Combine Wine, Sugar & Spices in a Pot

Begin by pouring your chosen red wine into a large pot or a medium saucepan. Add your preferred sweetener (brown sugar works wonderfully here), all your whole spices, and the sliced orange. Gently stir to ensure the sugar begins to dissolve into the wine.

2. Gently Simmer on Low Heat

Place the pot on the stove over low heat. It’s crucial not to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, as this can cause the alcohol to evaporate too quickly and can also cook off some of the delicate spice aromas. Instead, aim for a gentle simmer, just hot enough for steam to rise, but without any bubbling. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This short period allows the flavors to start infusing into the wine.

3. Allow the Wine to Steep for Deeper Flavor

Once the initial simmer is complete, remove the saucepan from the heat. Cover the pot with a lid and let the mulled wine steep for at least half an hour. This steeping time is essential as it allows the spices and orange to truly infuse their robust flavors into the wine, creating a more complex and aromatic beverage. The longer it steeps (within reason), the deeper the flavor will be. Before serving, strain the hot wine through a fine-mesh sieve, removing all the whole spices and orange slices for a smooth drink.

4. Garnish & Serve Warm

Pour the beautifully spiced wine into heat-proof mugs or glasses. For a festive touch, garnish each serving with fresh orange slices, a few bright cranberries, or a fragrant sprig of rosemary. Serve this cozy drink warm or hot, and savor the comforting flavors. Enjoy the rich aromas and the soothing warmth!

Dish by Dish Pro Tips & Clever Tricks for Perfect Mulled Wine:

Elevate your mulled wine game with these expert tips and tricks, ensuring every batch you make is utterly delicious and memorable:

• The Art of Wine Selection: As mentioned before, opt for a dry or semi-dry red wine with a good, balanced flavor profile such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Syrah. Avoid overly sweet wines unless you prefer a very sweet mulled wine, as you’ll be adding more sweetener. Crucially, don’t feel the need to buy an expensive bottle; the heating process and the robust spices will mask the subtle nuances of premium wines. An affordable, good-quality table wine will be perfect.
• Fruit Variations: While orange slices are classic for their citrusy brightness, don’t limit yourself! Lemon slices or grapefruit slices can offer a different dimension of tartness. For a more autumnal feel, consider adding apple slices (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji) for a subtle sweetness and crisp texture. You can also toss in a handful of fresh or frozen cranberries for a beautiful color and a touch of tartness.
• Whole Spices are Key: Always prioritize whole spices over ground spices for mulled wine. Whole spices infuse flavor gradually and beautifully without clouding the wine or leaving a gritty residue. This also makes the straining process much simpler at the end, leaving you with a clear, inviting beverage.
• Slow Cooker Method (Crockpot Conversion): For effortless entertaining or to keep mulled wine warm for extended periods, your slow cooker (crockpot) is an invaluable tool. Simply combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until thoroughly heated and fragrant. Once it’s ready, switch the setting to “keep warm” to maintain the perfect serving temperature throughout your event. This prevents the wine from overcooking and evaporating.
• Don’t Boil the Wine: This is a golden rule for mulled wine. Boiling the wine will cause the alcohol to evaporate too quickly, and can also make the wine taste bitter or “cooked.” A gentle simmer is all you need to extract the flavors from your spices and fruit.
• Steeping Time is Your Friend: While 30 minutes is a good starting point, if you have more time, allow the mulled wine to steep for an hour or even longer (up to 2-3 hours) off the heat or on the ‘keep warm’ setting in a slow cooker. This extended steeping allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully, resulting in a more complex and satisfying drink.
• Make Ahead & Reheat: Mulled wine is a fantastic make-ahead beverage. Prepare it a day in advance, strain out the solids once cooled, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, or in a slow cooker, adding fresh garnishes just before serving.
• Boost the Flavor with Liqueur (Optional): For an extra kick and depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy, port, or orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Grand Marnier) just before serving. This adds another layer of warmth and complexity without cooking off.

More Delicious Beverages You’ll Love!

If you’re a fan of comforting drinks and delightful refreshments, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes. From sparkling sips to cozy concoctions, there’s something for every season and occasion:

Print

Easy Homemade Mulled Wine (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

---

5 Stars





4 Stars





3 Stars





2 Stars





1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Felicia Lim
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

Warm up to this easy homemade mulled wine, which is flavored with beautiful warm spices, making it the perfect cozy winter drink for a cold night. Totally gluten-free and vegan too.

---

Ingredients

Scale

• 1 bottle of dry or semi-dry red wine (750ml)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or to taste)
• 1 orange, thoroughly washed and sliced
• 2–3 whole star anise pods
• 3–4 cinnamon sticks
• 3–4 whole cardamom pods, gently crushed
• 5–7 whole cloves
• Optional garnishes: fresh orange slices, cranberries, rosemary sprigs

Cook Mode

Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine Wine, Sugar and Spices: In a large saucepan or pot, combine the entire bottle of red wine, brown sugar, all the whole spices, and the sliced orange. Stir gently to begin dissolving the sugar.
2. Simmer on Low Heat: Place the saucepan over low heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, ensuring it does not boil. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the initial flavors begin to infuse.
3. Let Wine Steep: Remove the saucepan from the heat and cover it with a lid. Allow the mulled wine to steep for at least 30 minutes (or longer for a stronger flavor). This resting period is crucial for the spices and orange to fully release their aromas. After steeping, strain the wine through a fine-mesh sieve to remove all solids before serving.
4. Garnish and Serve: Pour the warm, spiced mulled wine into heat-proof mugs or glasses. Garnish with fresh orange slices, cranberries, or a sprig of rosemary for an extra festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Wine Selection: For best results, use a dry or semi-dry red wine such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Syrah. Avoid sweet wines to prevent an overly sweet mulled wine. An affordable bottle works perfectly, as the spices and heating will dominate.

Sweetener Options: Brown sugar is recommended, but you can also use white sugar, cane sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar to your preference.

Fruit Variations: Orange slices provide classic citrus notes. Feel free to substitute with lemon slices, grapefruit slices, or even apple slices for a different flavor profile.

Spice Choices: This recipe uses a traditional mix of whole star anise, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and cloves. You can also add nutmeg (grated fresh is best), a few ginger slices, or allspice berries for added complexity. Always use whole spices for easier straining.

Slow Cooker Method: For convenience, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and heat on low for 1-1.5 hours, then switch to “keep warm” for serving.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 mins
• Category: Drinks
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Western