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Best Mulled Wine Recipe with Apple Cider: Cozy Holiday Drink Your Guests Will Love

A step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect mulled wine recipe at home — a warming, aromatic blend of red wine, citrus, and spices ideal for the winter season and festive gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: European
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bottle 750ml dry red wine (Merlot, Zinfandel, Grenache, or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • ¼ cup brandy or orange liqueur Cointreau optional
  • 1 –2 oranges sliced into rounds
  • 1 lemon sliced (optional)
  • 2 –3 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 –5 whole cloves
  • 2 –3 star anise
  • ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg optional
  • 2 –3 cardamom pods optional
  • ¼ cup honey maple syrup, or 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 –2 cups apple cider optional
  • Fresh cranberries extra orange slices, or cinnamon sticks for garnish

Method
 

  1. Slice oranges and lemon, add to a large pot or Dutch oven, and squeeze in any remaining juice for concentrated citrus flavor.
  2. Pour in the red wine and add brandy or liqueur, ensuring ingredients are room temperature for even blending.
  3. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and other optional spices. Use whole spices only.
  4. Stir in 1 tablespoon of your chosen sweetener or add apple cider if preferred.
  5. Warm gently over medium heat for about 5 minutes, avoiding boiling to preserve alcohol content.
  6. Reduce to low heat and simmer for 15–30 minutes to infuse the spices.
  7. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice levels as desired.
  8. Strain into mugs or a serving pitcher using a fine-mesh sieve to remove solids.
  9. Garnish with orange slices, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

Keep the temperature below boiling to retain alcohol and prevent bitterness. Always use whole spices for cleaner flavor. For non-alcoholic versions, replace wine with apple cider, pomegranate juice, and tea, simmering for 45 minutes.