How to Make Perfect Mulled Wine: Classic, Christmas, White, and Alcohol-Free Recipes

Mulled wine is considered one of the ideal drinks for cold weather, and it can be made in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. The drink has a long history, and many cultures developed their own variations.

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Mulled wine

What Mulled Wine Is and Where It Comes From

Mulled wine is a traditional warm drink prepared with wine, spices, and citrus fruits, sometimes with apples added for extra aroma. Its origins trace back to Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. According to one version, it may have been consumed cold in antiquity, but began to be heated only in the Middle Ages due to the European climate. However, mulled wine became closely associated with Christmas much later, during the Victorian era in England.

Key Ingredients for Mulled Wine

The main ingredient is wine-either red or white, ideally still wines with enough body to carry the spices. Spices typically include cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla. Depending on the recipe, pepper or honey may also be added. Fruits with natural acidity complement the drink: citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, or limes, and sometimes green apples for extra fragrance.

Classic Alcoholic Mulled Wine Recipe

Ingredients

• Red wine — 0.75 L
• Apples — 2
• Sugar or honey — 1 tablespoon
• Nutmeg — 5 g
• Ground ginger — 10 g
• Cloves — 5 pieces
• Cinnamon — 1 stick

Preparation

1. Prepare the fruits
Wash and chop the apples. Mix them with sugar or honey and let them sit briefly.

2. Prepare the spices
Crush the hard spices in a mortar and combine them with powdered spices so they release their aroma more fully.

3. Heat the mulled wine
Place the apples with sugar or honey and the spices into a metal saucepan, pour the wine over them, and heat over low heat. Let the mixture reach a near-boil without boiling. After turning off the heat, let the drink infuse for at least 15 minutes.

4. Serve
Strain the mulled wine to remove small spices or fruit pieces. Serve warm, garnished with lemon, mint, or a splash of brandy.

Christmas Mulled Wine with Tea

Ingredients

• Red wine — 0.75 L
• Water — 100 g
• Apple — 1
• Orange — 1
• Honey or sugar — 100 g
• Black tea — 1 tablespoon
• Hibiscus tea — 1 tablespoon
• Cinnamon — 1 stick
• Nutmeg — 5 g
• Cardamom, anise, ginger — to taste

Preparation

Chop the apple and orange. Mix water with wine and heat over low heat. Once warmed, add all remaining ingredients and stir until the honey dissolves. Bring almost to a boil and serve warm.

White Wine Mulled Wine

Ingredients

• White wine — 0.75 L
• Apples — 2
• Sugar or honey — 100 g
• Cinnamon — 1 stick
• Cloves — 5 pieces
• Black peppercorns — 10

Preparation

Chop the apples. Warm the wine and add the apples. Add the spices and honey, stirring until dissolved. Bring the drink close to a boil and serve warm.

Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine

Ingredients

• Grape juice — 1 L
• Water — 100 g
• Orange — 1
• Lemon — 1
• Apple — 1
• Cinnamon — 1 stick
• Cardamom, ginger, black pepper — to taste

Preparation

Chop the fruit and place it in a saucepan. Add the grape juice and water. Heat over low heat, add the spices, bring to a near-boil, turn off the heat, and allow the mixture to infuse for 15 minutes under a lid. Serve warm.

What Wine Works Best for Mulled Wine

Wine that is too light will be overwhelmed by citrus notes, while highly tannic or acidic wines will distort the balance. Aged wines are also not suitable-they should be saved for special occasions. Low-quality or stale wine will not improve with spices and fruit, so it should not be used. Ideally, choose rich, aromatic wines with enough body to reveal the spices.

What to Serve Mulled Wine With

Because mulled wine is naturally sweet, it pairs best with desserts or sweet pastries. According to Oleg Pokrovsky, founder and head bartender of Bra Bar, mulled wine works beautifully with cookies, pies, and even cheese boards.