This traditional Mulled Wine recipe is perfect for chilly nights. Also known as gluhwein, it can be made in the slow cooker, on the stove or in your instant pot.
Right up there with my other favorite warm drinks like the Hot Toddy and Mulled Cider is Mulled Wine. Give me a holiday movie, cozy sweater (with sleeves just a tad too long) and a mug of this and I’m a happy girl for the night.
Why is it Called Mulled Wine?
- Also known as spiced wine or gluhwein in German, it is red wine that has been heated with spices and citrus.
Where Does it Originate and When is it Typically Served?
- It’s said that gluhwein was originally created by the Greeks. In order to prevent waste, they would heat up any leftover wine with spices. This is a great article about its history. It is typically served in the Fall and Winter, especially for holidays like Christmas, New Years and Thanksgiving.
What Does Mulled Wine Taste Like?
- It has a bit of sweetness to it from the added brown sugar. It is brewed with spices and has notes of cinnamon, cloves and allspice.
What Wine is Best for Mulled Wine?
The best wine to use is a big red wine that’s relatively high in alcohol and fruit forward:
- Syrah
- Malbec
- Zinfandel
- Beaujolais Nouveau
- Merlot
Mulling Spices:
- The mulling spices that I’m using are cinnamon, star anise and allspice berries. Other spice options include cardamom pods, cloves and nutmeg. I add the whole spices and then strain them out at the end with a fine mesh strainer.
How to Make Mulled Wine:
There are three ways to make this traditional mulled wine recipe – on the stove top, in the crockpot or in the Instant Pot.
- Stovetop Method: Add ingredients to a large saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer for 45 minutes – 1 hour.
- Slow Cooker Method: Add all ingredients (except brandy) to a crockpot and cook on LOW for 1 hours. Stir in brandy and serve.
- Instant Pot Method: Add all ingredients (except brandy) to a pressure cooker and cook on HIGH pressure for 1 minutes. Quick release the pressure, stir in brandy and serve.
How to Serve It:
- Ceramic, glass or campfire mugs will help to protect your hands from the heat of the spiced wine, and the mug handle will make it much easier to drink. Glass mugs are another good option for serving mulled wine.
How Long Can You Keep Mulled Wine?
- It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Can Mulled Wine be Reheated?
- Yes. Simply reheat on the stove on low heat without bringing to a boil.
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What to Serve with Mulled Wine:
Mulled Wine Recipe (Slow Cooker, Stove Top or Instant Pot)
Ingredients
- 2 750-ml bottles red wine
- 1 orange
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 8 whole cloves
- 1 Tablespoon allspice berries
- 1 star anise
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cup brandy
For Serving (optional):
- Orange Slices
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Star Anise
Instructions
- Using a peeler, remove the rind from the orange in strips then juice the orange.
- Add wine, orange rinds and juice, spices, and sugar to a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer for 45 minutes - 1 hour.
- Carefully strain the mixture through a mesh strainer and discard the fruit and spices. Stir in brandy. Garnish and serve.
Notes
- Slow Cooker Method: Add all ingredients (except brandy) to a crockpot and cook on LOW for 1 hours. Stir in brandy and serve.
- Instant Pot Method: Add all ingredients (except brandy) to a pressure cooker and cook on HIGH pressure for 1 minutes. Quick release the pressure, stir in brandy and serve.
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