Mulled wine is the warm, spiced hug your New Year’s Eve needs — cozy, aromatic, and easy to scale for a crowd. I first started making this version years ago for a small gathering and kept tweaking the spice balance until it felt just right. For a sweet pairing, I often serve it with warm cookies like these espresso-infused coffee sugar cookies that soak up the spices.
Why Make This Recipe
- Deep, comforting flavor from simmered citrus and whole spices gives a festive aroma that fills the kitchen.
- Quick to prepare: about 10 minutes prep and a slow simmer for 20–30 minutes.
- Easy to scale for parties — makes 6–8 servings from a single pot.
- No special bartending skills required; you just gently heat and infuse.
- Personal note: I love this recipe because the spices are forgiving — small adjustments to cinnamon, clove, or star anise let you tune the drink to your guests’ tastes. I often serve it alongside other cold-weather favorites like this hearty ground beef vegetable soup.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes (infuse and hold)
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6 (about 6–8 oz / 180–240 ml each)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: Gently simmer wine and spices in a non-reactive pot or slow cooker, then strain and serve warm.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this mulled wine several times, varying sugar, citrus, and the simmer time to avoid bitterness. The biggest discovery was never to boil the wine — that preserves alcohol and prevents the spices from turning astringent.
How to Make Cozy Mulled Wine – The Perfect Festive New Year’s Drink
Combine 1 bottle (750 ml) of dry red wine, 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar (adjust to taste), 1 orange sliced, 2 cinnamon sticks, 3 whole star anise, 6 whole cloves, and 1/4 cup (60 ml) brandy (optional) in a medium non-reactive pot. Heat over medium-low until steam rises and small bubbles appear at the edges — aim for 160–170°F (70–75°C) — then reduce to the lowest heat and simmer gently for 20–30 minutes to infuse. Taste, strain through a fine mesh sieve into a warmed pitcher, and add additional sugar or a splash of brandy if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use a medium-bodied dry red wine (Merlot, Zinfandel, or Grenache) — avoid heavily oaked or overly tannic wines that become bitter when heated.
- Always heat, don’t boil: keep the temperature below 185°F (85°C). A candy or instant-read thermometer helps maintain the right range.
- Choose whole spices and toast them briefly in the pot before adding liquids to unlock oils and deepen flavor.
- Use a non-reactive pot (stainless steel or enameled) to avoid metallic taste; simmer low and cover to preserve aroma.
- For hands-off entertaining, transfer ingredients to a slow cooker on low (set to 140–160°F / low setting) to keep warm for hours without overcooking.
How to Serve Cozy Mulled Wine – The Perfect Festive New Year’s Drink
- Serve in heatproof glasses or enamel mugs garnished with an orange wheel and a cinnamon stick for stirring.
- Offer a non-alcoholic spiced cider alongside for guests who prefer no alcohol; a family-friendly option is this Grinch mocktail.
- For a buffet, keep mulled wine warm in a crockpot set to low and provide a ladle and small cups for easy self-serve.
- Pair with rich cheeses, roasted nuts, or shortbread — the wine’s spice cuts through fat and sweetness nicely.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store cooled mulled wine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, keeping below 170°F (75°C) to preserve flavor and alcohol. You can freeze mulled wine in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving. If you added citrus slices, remove them before storing to prevent bitterness.
Recipe Variations
- Non-alcoholic: Replace wine with unsweetened apple cider and add 1–2 tbsp black tea for body; simmer similarly for 20 minutes.
- Spiced white mulled wine: Use a dry riesling or pinot grigio and reduce sugar to 2 tbsp; add cardamom pods and a vanilla bean.
- Extra citrus: Add lemon slices and a strip of orange zest for a brighter profile; peel oranges before slicing to reduce pith bitterness.
- Party fun: For a themed gathering, serve with festive treats like these decorative lollipops for the non-drinking kids or as a quirky dessert pairing.
Nutritional Highlights
- Mulled wine is moderate in calories per serving (roughly 150–200 kcal for a 6–8 oz serving depending on sugar and alcohol).
- It contains antioxidants from red wine and vitamin C from citrus, but also alcohol and added sugar — enjoy in moderation.
- Allergens: contains sulfites (naturally present in wine) and may not be suitable for people avoiding alcohol; gluten-free and dairy-free by default.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Bitter or astringent taste: You likely boiled the wine or simmered too long; reheat gently and add a small spoon of honey or orange juice to balance.
- Too sweet: Dilute with a splash of unsweetened pomegranate juice or a little extra dry red wine, then rewarm.
- Flat spice flavor: Toast whole spices briefly in the pot or bruise them with the back of a spoon before adding to release more aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make mulled wine ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prepare and cool it, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly on low heat (below 170°F / 75°C) and adjust sweetness or brandy after warming if needed.
Q: What wine should I avoid for mulled wine?
A: Avoid highly tannic or strongly oaked wines (like very bold Cabernet Sauvignons or heavily oaked Chardonnays). They can become bitter when heated. Choose a fruity, medium-bodied red such as Merlot, Zinfandel, or Grenache.
Q: How do I make a large batch for a party?
A: Multiply the recipe proportions and use a large non-reactive stock pot or a slow cooker. Keep it warm on low (140–160°F) and stir occasionally. Provide a ladle and strain into cups just before serving.
Q: How do I keep the alcohol level if serving to mixed-age crowds?
A: Offer a non-alcoholic version (apple cider spiced the same way) in a separate pot or dispenser. Label both options clearly so guests can choose.
Conclusion
For ideas on presenting and serving mulled wine at a holiday gathering, check this guide to make your next holiday gathering a cozy mulled-wine night.
Cozy Mulled Wine
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm, spiced mulled wine perfect for New Year’s Eve celebrations, easy to prepare and great for parties.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine
- 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole star anise
- 6 whole cloves
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) brandy (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the wine, sugar, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and brandy in a medium non-reactive pot.
- Heat over medium-low until steam rises and small bubbles appear at the edges, aiming for a temperature of 160–170°F (70–75°C).
- Reduce to the lowest heat and simmer gently for 20–30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Taste the mulled wine, strain through a fine mesh sieve into a warmed pitcher, and add additional sugar or brandy if desired.
Notes
Serve with an orange wheel and a cinnamon stick for garnish. For a non-alcoholic alternative, use unsweetened apple cider.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American