When the air turns crisp and holiday lights start to twinkle, there’s nothing quite like a warm glass of mulled wine to set the mood. My recipe is made with dry red wine, bourbon, maple syrup, and a medley of warming spices. This homemade mulled wine recipe is the perfect companion for a cozy evening at home or a festive gathering with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Mulled Wine Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and citrus.
- Easy to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or spice level to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Gatherings: A crowd-pleaser that fills your home with an irresistible aroma.
What is Mulled Wine?
Mulled wine (also known as Glühwein) is a warm, spiced wine traditionally served during the colder months, especially around Christmas. Originating in Europe, it’s now beloved worldwide for its rich flavors and festive vibe. This recipe adds a modern twist with the inclusion of bourbon and maple syrup, which I find enhances the depth and complexity of the classic recipe.
Ingredients for Homemade Mulled Wine
- 1 bottle of dry red wine: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Zinfandel work beautifully.
- 1 cup of bourbon: Adds a warm, smoky kick.
- ½ cup maple syrup: A natural sweetener that balances the spices.
- 1 orange, sliced: Fresh citrus brightness.
- 1 lemon, sliced: For a subtle tang.
- 1 apple, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and texture.
- 3 cinnamon sticks: Classic warm spice.
- 3 whole cloves: Subtle, earthy depth.
- 3 star anise: Beautifully fragrant and decorative.
- 1 tsp of peppercorns: Adds a subtle hint of spice.
- 2 bay leaves: For a savory, herbaceous undertone.
How to Make Mulled Wine
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Slice the orange, lemon, and apple.
- Measure out your spices to have everything ready.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a large saucepan or pot, combine the red wine, bourbon, maple syrup, and sliced fruit.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, peppercorns, and bay leaves.
Step 3: Heat Gently
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Do not let it boil, as this can burn off the alcohol and overpower the flavors.
- Once simmering, reduce to low heat and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Serve
- Strain the mulled wine to remove the spices and fruit.
- Pour into mugs or heatproof glasses, and garnish with a slice of orange, a cinnamon stick, or a star anise for presentation.
Tips for Making the Best Mulled Wine
Use Good-Quality Wine: Choose a dry red wine you’d enjoy drinking on its own. If you don’t like the wine on it’s own, you are certainly not going to enjoy it warmed up…
Adjust Sweetness: Add more maple syrup or a touch of brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter drink.
Don’t Overheat: Keep the heat low to prevent the alcohol from evaporating.
Prep Ahead: You can combine the ingredients and refrigerate overnight for even more flavor. Simply heat before serving.
Serve Warm: Let the mulled wine sit at room temperature for a few minutes after heating to ensure the flavors meld perfectly.
Variations for Your Mulled Wine
- Non-Alcoholic Option: Substitute the wine with apple cider and omit the bourbon for a kid-friendly version.
- Add Apple Cider: For a sweeter twist, replace 1 cup of wine with apple cider.
- Use Brandy Instead of Bourbon: For a more traditional flavor, swap bourbon for brandy.
- Make it in a Slow Cooker: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker on low heat for 2-3 hours for an effortless, hands-off method.
Why This Mulled Wine is Perfect for the Holidays
This homemade mulled wine recipe is more than just a drink—it’s an experience. The aroma of warm spices and citrus fills your home with holiday cheer, while the rich, spiced flavors delight your guests. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, cozying up by the fire, or celebrating with friends, this mulled wine will become your go-to festive drink.
FAQs About Mulled Wine
Other Festive Cocktails You’ll Love
- Cranberry Whiskey Cocktail
- Cranberry Prosecco Cocktail
- Cranberry Martini
- Cranberry Tequila Cocktail
- Cranberry Prosecco Spritz
Final Thoughts
Making mulled wine at home is easier than you think and infinitely more rewarding than buying pre-made options. With this recipe, you’ll have the perfect mulled wine for any occasion, guaranteed to impress your guests and keep spirits warm and bright. Cheers to a delicious holiday season!
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Bourbon Mulled Wine
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of dry red wine (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Zinfandel recommended)
- 1 cup bourbon
- ½ cup maple syrup (or adjust to taste)
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole cloves
- 3 star anise
- 1 tsp peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Slice the orange, lemon, and apple. Set aside. Measure the spices for easy assembly.
- In a large saucepan or pot, add the red wine, bourbon, maple syrup, and prepared fruit slices. Stir in the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, peppercorns, and bay leaves.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Do not let it boil. Once simmering, reduce to low heat and let the mulled wine cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the mulled wine to remove the spices and fruit.
- Pour into mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, a slice of orange, or a star anise for a festive touch.
Notes
- Use a good-quality dry red wine for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup or a touch of brown sugar.
- Mulled wine can be made ahead of time and reheated gently before serving.
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
