Simple & Spiced Mulled Wine to Cuddle Up With Recipe
When the chill sets in and the evenings get longer, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm, cozy beverage. This Simple & Spiced Mulled Wine to Cuddle Up With recipe is just that — a hug in a mug that brings together sweet, spicy, and citrusy notes in the best possible way. It’s fantastic for unwinding after a long day, and trust me, once you’ve made it a few times, you’ll find it becoming your go-to comfort drink.
What I love about this recipe is how straightforward it is, yet it feels so festive and special. Whether you’re hosting friends or just enjoying a quiet night by the fire, this Simple & Spiced Mulled Wine to Cuddle Up With recipe works beautifully. It’s like inviting autumn and winter inside your home, warming you from the inside out, and I can’t wait for you to give it a try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients is key to getting the perfect balance of flavors in your mulled wine. The spices and citrus complement the wine beautifully, and the little touches like using cane sugar and fresh orange juice make all the difference.
- Water: This helps dissolve the sugar and lets the spices infuse nicely without diluting the wine too much.
- Cane sugar: I prefer cane sugar for a subtle, natural sweetness that rounds out the spices.
- Orange juice: Freshly squeezed or well-filtered orange juice adds bright citrus flavor without bits getting in the way.
- Cinnamon sticks: Essential for that warm, sweet-spicy backbone.
- Star anise: Adds a lovely licorice hint that’s so comforting in mulled wine.
- Orange: Sliced for both infusion and garnish—choose a firm, juicy one.
- Whole cloves: These spicy nuggets gives depth and a warm bite.
- Red wine: Merlot works beautifully here, but I’ll include some vegan-friendly notes to help if you prefer that option.
Variations
I like tweaking this Simple & Spiced Mulled Wine to Cuddle Up With recipe depending on the mood or guests. The recipe is flexible enough that you can really make it your own, and that’s part of the fun.
- Spice mix-up: Sometimes I add a few cardamom pods or a sprinkle of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth—try this if you want a little twist.
- Sweetener swap: If you prefer less sweetness or a different profile, honey or maple syrup work well instead of cane sugar.
- Alcohol-free version: I’ve made this with spiced cranberry juice and it tastes festive while keeping it kid and driver friendly.
- Vegan wine: Look for wines labeled “vegan” or check out options from brands like Frey Vineyards that ensure no animal products were used in processing.
How to Make Simple & Spiced Mulled Wine to Cuddle Up With Recipe
Step 1: Simmer the Spices and Sweetener
Start by combining the water, cane sugar, cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, and orange slices in a saucepan over medium heat. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the sugar dissolves completely and the spices soften. You’ll want to be patient here—the longer the spices infuse, the richer the flavor. Just remember, don’t let it boil hard; a gentle simmer is perfect to avoid bitterness.
Step 2: Add Orange Juice and Wine
Once the spice syrup is fragrant and nicely infused, stir in the orange juice and then carefully pour in the red wine. Keep the heat on low so the wine warms through without reaching a boil—that’s crucial for preserving the wine’s delicate flavors and alcohol content. Let it mull for an additional 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye so it’s hot but not bubbling. Smell that? Pure cozy magic.
Step 3: Serve Warm and Enjoy
After mulling, strain the mixture into mugs or heat-safe glasses to remove the spices and orange slices. This keeps it smooth and easy to sip. Pour slowly to avoid sediment, and you’re ready for the best part—sipping slowly and feeling that comforting heat spread. If you want to keep it warm longer, use a slow cooker on low, or gently reheat before serving.
How to Serve Simple & Spiced Mulled Wine to Cuddle Up With Recipe
Garnishes
I love to finish my mulled wine with a fresh cinnamon stick for stirring and a thin orange slice or twist on top. It looks pretty and adds just a hint of fresh aroma as you sip. Sometimes I throw in a star anise for a little extra flair—it feels like a holiday classic every time.
Side Dishes
This spiced drink pairs wonderfully with cheeses like brie or gouda and some crusty bread or crackers. For something sweet, gingerbread cookies or spiced nuts are a perfect cozy match. I often set out a small cheese board with these when friends come over for a casual winter gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served mulled wine in clear glass mugs or even decorative jars to show off the warm auburn color. Adding a festive cinnamon stick and a few cranberries or star anise floating on top instantly ups the visual charm. It makes guests feel extra pampered, which is always a win.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually pour any leftover mulled wine into a glass container and keep it sealed in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more after resting, so it’s great if you want to make it ahead. Just give it a gentle stir before reheating.
Freezing
I haven’t tried freezing this one because the citrus and spices can change texture once thawed. Plus, I find it so quick to warm up fresh that freezing isn’t really necessary. If you do freeze, try a small batch first and see how the flavors hold up in your experience.
Reheating
When reheating, I always use low heat on the stove, stirring gently until hot but never boiling. You want to keep that warm, subtle savoriness intact without burning off the alcohol or causing bitterness. A microwave works too if you’re in a hurry—heat in 30-second bursts and stir between.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of red wine?
Absolutely! While Merlot is my go-to because of its smoothness and fruity notes, other medium-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel also work well. Avoid very oaky or heavily tannic wines as they can turn bitter when heated.
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Is it okay to add brandy or other spirits?
Yes, adding a splash of brandy or orange liqueur can boost the warmth and flavor if you like. I sometimes do this for gatherings to make it extra festive, but it’s totally optional and still delicious without.
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How long can I keep mulled wine before it goes bad?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the mulled wine stays good for about 3 days. After that, you might notice the flavors dull and some off aromas develop, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within that window.
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Can I make this recipe alcohol-free?
Definitely! Swap red wine for spiced cranberry or pomegranate juice, and follow the same steps for a cozy, warming non-alcoholic version. It’s a great alternative for family gatherings or when you want something lighter.
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What’s the best way to avoid bitterness in mulled wine?
Don’t let your mulled wine reach a rolling boil, as that burns off the alcohol and makes the spices taste bitter. Keep it on low heat and warm it slowly. Also, avoid using too much clove or cinnamon stick at once; a balanced, gentle infusion brings the best flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Simple & Spiced Mulled Wine to Cuddle Up With recipe has become a staple in my home during cooler months, and I hope it will be for you too. It’s such a comforting way to take a moment for yourself or share warmth with friends. So, next time you want something that feels like a cozy winter night in a glass, you know exactly what to make—and I’m excited for you to enjoy it as much as I do!
PrintSimple & Spiced Mulled Wine to Cuddle Up With Recipe
This Simple & Spiced Mulled Wine recipe is a cozy, warming beverage perfect for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings. Infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, alongside fresh orange juice and zest, this classic mulled wine offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice to cuddle up with.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European
Ingredients
Mulled Wine Base
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup cane sugar
- ½ cup orange juice, preferably without pulp
- 750 ml red wine (Merlot recommended, vegan wine options suggested in notes)
Spices and Flavorings
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 1 orange (whole, for zest and garnish)
- 10 whole cloves
Instructions
- Prepare the Orange: Wash the orange thoroughly. Use a peeler or a knife to cut strips of the orange peel, avoiding the bitter white pith. Set aside the peel for infusion and use the rest for juicing.
- Combine Water and Sugar: In a large pot, add ¾ cup of water and ¼ cup of cane sugar. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved to create a simple syrup base for the mulled wine.
- Add Orange Juice and Spices: Pour in ½ cup of fresh orange juice and add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, and orange peels into the syrup. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to allow spices to release their flavors.
- Incorporate the Red Wine: Pour in the 750 ml of red wine (Merlot preferred). Heat the mixture slowly, avoiding boiling, and keep it at a low simmer. Allow the wine and spices to mingle for 15-20 minutes so the flavors blend perfectly.
- Serve Warm: Remove the pot from heat and strain the mulled wine to remove the spices and peels. Pour the warm mulled wine into heatproof glasses or mugs. Garnish with a fresh orange slice or a cinnamon stick if desired. Enjoy your cozy spiced drink!
Notes
- Merlot is recommended for its smooth and fruity characteristics that complement the spices well.
- For a vegan version, ensure to use a certified vegan wine as some wines use animal-derived fining agents.
- Mulled wine should be heated gently and not boiled to preserve the alcohol content and prevent bitterness.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet beverage.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger groups and kept warm in a slow cooker on low heat.
Keywords: mulled wine, spiced wine, holiday drinks, warm beverage, winter drinks, cozy drink
