Baby it’s cold outside! And a warm drink is such a lovely way to keep that winter chill away. We love winter drinks at Pop Shop America – you can find 5 Different Hot Chocolate Recipes here and a Vanilla Infused Bourbon if you need something more adult.
But if you know me, then you will know that I love red wine. Like a lot. Like a whole lot. I’m not a big fan of booze and I’m not a big fan of beer either. This is the perfect recipe for winter. And it’s also a great way to use a cheaper bottle of red – if you are just not in love with it.
What makes this Classic Mulled Wine Recipe different than other mulled wine is that it’s less sweet than other recipes you will come across. Most recipes use as much sugar as Kool-Aid! Which is so crazy. All this recipe needs to be delicious is a lot of fruit, and lot of holiday spices, and a touch of sweetness.
It’s a healthier alternative – if you could call it that! I mean it’s still wine.
If you want to find just the easy printable Classic Mulled Wine Recipe, scroll to the bottom, or keep reading if you want some tips and tricks on how to make an amazing batch for yourself!
First of all, lots of recipes will tell you to just mix all the ingredients together. Yes, you could do that, but I think a Classic Mulled Wine is best when you first mix the sugar, spices, oranges and juice and cook over low heat. Continue to stir and cook until your sugar is melted into a simple syrup – around 10 minutes.
Then ensure that the heat is still on low and add the wine. Only allow the wine to warm, don’t cook it any longer than that! As you continue to cook the alcohol will begin to diminish.
As far as how much juice to add and how many pieces of star anise, cloves, and cinnamon sticks to add – it’s variable! Every recipe says something just a bit different. If you like a spicy wine, follow our recipe to the t. If you like your Mulled Wine a little more fruity, add less of the spices.
It’s up to you whether you would like to add a little bit of booze to the Mulled Wine Recipe before serving. If you do add liquor, choose brandy. It’s similar to how sangria would be made and gives your mulled wine just a bit of kick.

Classic Mulled Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Red Wine
- 1 Orange sliced
- 1/2 cup Orange Juice
- 3 heaping tablespoons White Sugar or Honey
- 10 whole Cloves
- 4 pieces Star Anise
- 2 Cinnamon sticks
- Splash of Brandy optional
Instructions
- On low heat, combine orange slices, juice, sugar (or honey) and spices.
- Raise the mixture to a medium heat and allow for the sugar to melt, stirring often for about 15 minutes. Reduce heat and allow the juice and spice mixture to cool a bit before adding the wine.
- Ensuring that the heat is on low, add the wine.
- Let the wine warm to a pleasurable drinking temperature, stirring occasionally. Do not let the wine overheat or boil.
- Add a splash of brandy, if desired.
- Serve warm in a snifter and garnish with star anise pods, cinnamon sticks, and/or orange slices.
This mulled wine would be the perfect Holiday treat and pairs well with a spicy dessert like these Spicy Gingersnap Cookies or these Chai Spiced Chocolate Truffles that you can find here.
So what are you going to pair your Mulled Wine with? Tell us in the comments!
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