🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Drinks
Traditional Mulled Wine
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
🇬🇧 UKWarm your soul with a glass of traditional British mulled wine, a fragrant and comforting festive drink. Infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, and sweetened with a touch of sugar and orange, this ruby-red concoction is slowly simmered to perfection, filling your home with an irresistible aroma.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Gather your aromatic spices: For a truly warming mulled wine, ensure you have two cinnamon sticks, 5-6 whole cloves, two star anise, and a quarter of a whole nutmeg (grated fresh is best) ready to infuse. These spices are the heart of the drink.
- 2
Prepare the citrus: Wash and slice one large orange into thick rounds. You can stud some of the orange slices with extra cloves for an attractive presentation and an extra burst of flavour as they steep.
- 3
Combine ingredients in a saucepan: Pour a 750ml bottle of full-bodied, inexpensive red wine into a large non-reactive saucepan. Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and freshly grated nutmeg.
- 4
Sweeten to taste: Stir in 2-4 tablespoons of brown sugar or honey, depending on your preference for sweetness. Start with less, as you can always add more later. Taste tests during simmering are encouraged!
- 5
Gently heat the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Slowly bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, but absolutely do not let it boil. Boiling alcohol will cause the alcohol to evaporate and can make the wine bitter.
- 6
Infuse and warm through: Allow the mulled wine to gently simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, keeping it just below a boil. This allows the spices to fully infuse their delightful aromas and flavours into the wine. For an extra kick, you can stir in 50ml of brandy just before serving.
- 7
Serve and enjoy: Ladle the hot mulled wine into heatproof mugs or glasses, ensuring each serving gets some of the steeped fruit and spices. Serve immediately, perhaps with a shortbread biscuit or a mince pie for the ultimate festive treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of red wine is best for mulled wine?+
An inexpensive, full-bodied red wine like Merlot, Grenache, or Zinfandel works perfectly. Avoid using expensive wines, as the spices will mask their nuances.
Can I make mulled wine non-alcoholic?+
Yes, you can substitute the red wine with cranberry juice, grape juice, or even a strong hibiscus tea for a delicious alcohol-free version, following the same spice and simmering steps.
Why should I avoid boiling the mulled wine?+
Boiling will cause the alcohol to evaporate rapidly and can also make the spices release bitter notes. A gentle simmer is crucial for infusing flavour without compromising the wine.
How far in advance can I make mulled wine?+
You can prepare mulled wine a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator (without the fruit/spices if possible) and gently reheat it on the stovetop when ready to serve, again ensuring it doesn't boil.
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