The short answer: this mulled wine recipe gently heats one 750 ml bottle of dry red wine with sliced orange, 2 cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise and 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar or honey. Hold it just under a simmer so the spices open up without driving off the alcohol.
- Key numbers: 1 bottle red wine · 1 orange · 2 cinnamon sticks · 6 whole cloves · 2 star anise · 15 to 20 minutes on the stove · about 4 to 5 mugs · roughly 1 standard drink per 5-ounce mug
- Top moves: bloom spices in a little water first, never hard-boil the wine, strain before you pour
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Prep time: 15 minCook time: 20 minTotal time: 40 minServings: about 4 to 5 heatproof mugsTotal includes 5 min of resting, chilling or rising.
Spice amounts and wine ratios in this mulled wine recipe were checked November 5, 2026. Below you will find the shopping list, stovetop steps, a slow cooker method, crowd math, a cider version and 21+ serving notes.
Mulled wine ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry red wine | 1 bottle (750 ml) | Merlot, Grenache, Zinfandel or everyday Cabernet |
| Orange | 1, cut into rounds | Use the peel; organic is nicer for zest oils |
| Cinnamon sticks | 2 | Break one if you want stronger spice |
| Whole cloves | 6 | Whole only; ground cloves turn the pot cloudy |
| Star anise | 2 pods | Skip if you dislike licorice notes |
| Sugar or honey | 2 to 3 tablespoons | Taste after 10 minutes |
| Water or orange juice | ¼ cup | Starts the spice bloom before wine goes in |
| Brandy or orange liqueur | 2 ounces | Optional finish, stirred in off the heat |
Yield: about 4 to 5 heatproof mugs of mulled wine.
How to make mulled wine on the stove
- Start the spice base. Set orange rounds, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, sugar and the ¼ cup water in a medium pot. Let them bubble gently for 5 minutes.
- Pour in the wine. Add the full bottle. Drop the heat so the surface only shivers. A rolling boil strips aroma and alcohol.
- Steep and taste. Hold that low heat 15 to 20 minutes. Check sweetness at the 10-minute mark and add a spoon of sugar if needed.
- Strain and serve. Pour through a fine strainer into a warm pitcher. Add brandy now if you want it. Garnish each mug with a fresh orange wheel.
Slow cooker mulled wine
Combine wine, orange, spices, sweetener and water in the crock. Run low for 1 to 2 hours, then flip to warm. Crack the lid so the liquid does not boil. Strain once guests are due, or ladle carefully around the whole spices. A slow cooker keeps mulled wine ready for the whole open-house window.
Mulled wine for a crowd
| Guests | Wine bottles | Oranges | Cinnamon sticks | Cloves | Star anise | Sweetener |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 to 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 2 to 3 Tbsp |
| 8 to 10 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 10 | 3 | ¼ to ⅓ cup |
| 12 to 15 | 3 | 2 to 3 | 4 | 12 | 4 | ⅓ to ½ cup |
Run a matching cider pot on a second burner so non-drinkers get the same orange-and-spice mood. Round out the bar with our hot toddy guide, Christmas cocktails, homemade eggnog, old fashioned and Christmas appetizers.
Zero-proof mulled wine
Warm 4 cups of apple cider (or dealcoholized red wine) with the same orange, cinnamon, cloves and star anise for 15 to 20 minutes. Sweeten with honey or brown sugar. A few slices of fresh ginger add gentle heat. Pour it into the same style of mug so the alcohol-free tray looks just as intentional.
21+ responsible serving for mulled wine
Serve mulled wine only to guests age 21 and older. The warm spices can hide how much wine is in the mug. Per the CDC, 5 ounces of wine equals one standard drink. CDC moderate drinking guidance is up to 2 drinks a day for men and up to 1 for women. This is a festive pour, not a treatment for a cold or flu, and alcohol can clash with medicines, so read the label or ask a pharmacist. Keep cider mugs, snacks and water on the table, and arrange safe rides before the night winds down. For a cider-based holiday drink alongside the wine, compare our wassail recipe.
Shop the wine, fruit and spices in one trip
List the bottles, oranges, cinnamon sticks and cloves beside the appetizers so the grocery run stays to one stop.
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Frequently asked questions
What is mulled wine? Mulled wine is red wine gently warmed with orange, cinnamon, cloves, star anise and a little sugar or honey. It is a classic winter and Christmas drink, often called glühwein in Germany.
What is the best wine for a mulled wine recipe? Use a dry, fruity red wine such as Merlot, Grenache, Zinfandel or an inexpensive Cabernet Sauvignon. Skip oaky, expensive bottles; the spices and citrus do the heavy lifting.
How do you make mulled wine on the stove? Simmer orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise and sugar with a splash of water or juice for 5 minutes, then add a 750 ml bottle of red wine and keep it just below a simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not boil it hard or the alcohol and aroma cook off.
Can you make mulled wine in a slow cooker? Yes, you can make mulled wine in a slow cooker. Add the wine, orange, spices and sweetener to a slow cooker on the warm or low setting for 1 to 2 hours, then switch to warm for serving. Keep the lid slightly ajar so it does not boil.
How much mulled wine do I need for a party? Plan about 1 cup (8 ounces) per guest for the first round, then a little extra. One 750 ml bottle makes about 4 to 5 mugs. For 12 guests, start with 3 bottles and keep a zero-proof pot next to it.
Can I make mulled wine ahead of time? Yes, you can make mulled wine ahead of time. Mulled wine can sit on warm for a couple of hours. You can also make the spice-and-citrus base ahead, then add the wine 20 minutes before guests arrive so the alcohol does not cook off.
Does mulled wine have a lot of alcohol? A 5-ounce pour of wine is 1 standard drink by CDC's definition. Mulling does not remove most of the alcohol unless you boil it hard for a long time. Count each mug as about 1 drink.
How do I make alcohol-free mulled wine? To make alcohol-free mulled wine, warm apple cider or alcohol-free red wine with the same spices. Sweeten to taste with honey or brown sugar. It smells just as festive.
Should I strain mulled wine before serving? Yes, you should strain mulled wine before serving. Leave a cinnamon stick and an orange slice in each mug for garnish if you like.
What can I add to mulled wine? You can add a splash of brandy, orange liqueur or dark rum to mulled wine. Fresh ginger, cardamom pods or a strip of lemon peel are good spice swaps. Add spirits to individual mugs so guests can choose.
How do I plan a holiday drink station around mulled wine? The Holiday Season Bundle ($15.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. includes the Meal Planner & Grocery List, so the wine, oranges and spices go on the same list as the party food. Set a whiskey hot toddy tray beside it for guests who want something stronger.
Where can I save my favorite mulled wine recipe? The Family Recipe Binder ($6.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. has fillable recipe cards, so your preferred wine, sweetener and spice mix stay with your other holiday recipes. It prints at home on US Letter paper.
Sources
- CDC: Standard drink sizes cdc.gov
- CDC: Moderate alcohol use cdc.gov