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Mulled Wine

Name: Mulled Wine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 5 servings.
Ingredients: 1 bottle (750 ml) fruity red wine; 1 cup brandy; 1 cup sugar; 1 medium orange, sliced; 1 medium lemon, sliced; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches); 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice; 1/2 teaspoon aniseed; 1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns; 3 whole cloves; Optional garnishes: Orange slices, star anise and additional cinnamon sticks

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Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Cook: 30 min. + chilling

Makes

5 servings

Updated: Nov. 06, 2022

This mulled wine is soothing and satisfying with a delightful blend of spices warmed to perfection. Refrigerating the wine mixture overnight allows the flavors to blend, so don't omit this essential step. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Ingredients

1 bottle (750 ml) fruity red wine
1 cup brandy
1 cup sugar
1 medium orange, sliced
1 medium lemon, sliced
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)
1/2 teaspoon whole allspice
1/2 teaspoon aniseed
1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns
3 whole cloves
Optional garnishes: Orange slices, star anise and additional cinnamon sticks

Directions

In a large saucepan, combine the first 6 ingredients. Place remaining spices on a double thickness of cheesecloth. Gather corners of cloth to enclose spices; tie securely with string. Place in pan.
Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; simmer gently, covered, 20 minutes. Transfer to a covered container; cool slightly. Refrigerate, covered, overnight.
Strain wine mixture into a large saucepan, discarding fruit and spice bag; reheat. Serve warm. Garnish, if desired, with orange slices, star anise or additional cinnamon sticks.

Mulled Wine Tips

What kind of wine should you use to make mulled wine?

This mulled wine recipe was tested with Rioja wine. However, if you don't have Rioja wine, consider dry and fruity red wines such as cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, pinot noir, grenache or zinfandel. Have extra? Use it in these flavorful recipes that use wine.

Can you make mulled wine in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Instead of using a large saucepan, place all ingredients in a 1-1/2-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low until heated through, 4-5 hours. In need of a slow cooker? Here are the best slow cooker brands.

How can you make mulled wine your own?

Our mulled wine recipe is easy to modify to your personal preferences. Use whatever liquor you have on hand, such as a flavored brandy or a bourbon. You can also swap in different fruit, like apples or cranberries, or just stir in any extra fruit juice you have. If you prefer a nonalcoholic version, give this holiday cider recipe a try.

—Alicia Rooker, RDN, Taste of Home Senior Recipe Editor/Recipe Tester

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 379 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.