fbpx

Mulled Wine, for Chilly Autumn Nights and Holiday Entertaining

Mulled wine is a favorite holiday party staple. If we dig back into history, we learn that mulled wine dates back to the second century. The Roman soldiers mixed honey with wine and then slowly heated the mixture. As the mixture was heated, they added hearty spices like pepper and bay leaves to warm their bodies in the dead of winter. It was also a method to keep wine and fresh spices from spoiling. Since they couldn’t necessarily drink water, wine was a must. As the Romans conquered Europe, mulled wine became increasingly popular and spread throughout the European regions.

Today it works in much the same way. When crisp autumn nights roll around, and you want something to warm you up and take the edge off, something a cup of tea can’t do, try this recipe.

How to Make Mulled Wine

The first thing to do is get together your list of ingredients and get to the market. To make mulled wine, you’ll need the following:

  • Organic apple cider
  • For a bottle of dry red wine, try Malbec or Syrah
  • Waxing Kara Honey
  • A few oranges and lemons
  • Bag of fresh cranberries
  • Lots of cinnamon sticks
  • Whole cloves
  • Star anise
  • Fresh rosemary for garnish
Big pot of Mulled Wine with rosemary garnish, sliced citrus fruit on wooden cutting board and cinnamon sticks

Making Mulled Wine

Mix cider, wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cranberries, cloves, and star anise in a large saucepan.

pouring ingredients into saucepan for making mulled wine

Bring all ingredients to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.

mulled wine cooking
Cranberries boiling in mulled wine

Pour into glass mugs, add an orange peel to each and serve with cinnamon stick and rosemary sprig.

mulled wine orange slice and rosemary garnish on tall mugs
All ready to drink!

Adapting our Mulled Wine Recipe

Make this recipe yours. If you feel creative or prefer a different kind of wine or a different combination of fruits that may be more readily available at your farmers market, we say GO FOR IT. Play with your food. Change up this recipe. Have a little fruit and spice with your wine. Here are some ideas:

  • Try adding a little ginger-flavored brandy or fresh sliced ginger to this recipe
  • Try adding a little cinnamon schnapps
  • Make this recipe in advance and serve it chilled.
  • Orange blossom honey pairs well with the added fruit and spices

We have the perfect recipe for you if you’re interested in trying your hand at mulled wine this holiday season. You can make mulled wine that rivals any professional chef with just a few simple ingredients. And don’t forget the spices! A mix of cloves, cinnamon, allspice, bay leaves, and orange peel will give your mulled wine that characteristic flavor everyone loves. What’s your favorite winter drink?

mulled wine in tall grey mug with garnish ready to drink
Perfect holiday gathering drink

If you decide to make this recipe or any variation we’ve suggested or your take, why not take a photo and share it with us using #waxingkararecipes on Instagram? We love seeing your photos!

Big pot of Mulled Wine with rosemary garnish, sliced citrus fruit on wooden cutting board and cinnamon sticks

Mulled Wine Recipe

Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: mulled wine
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 233kcal
If we dig back in history, we learn that mulled wine dates back to the second century. The Roman soldiers mixed honey with wine and then slowly heated the mixture. 
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 c organic apple cider
  • 1 bottle dry red wine try Malbec or Syrah
  • 1/4 c Waxing Kara Honey
  • 10 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 orange zested and juiced
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries bag
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 4 star anise
  • 2 oranges sliced, for garnish
  • 2 lemons sliced, for garnish
  • 3 Sprigs fresh rosemary for garnish

Instructions

  • Mix together cider, wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cranberries, cloves and star anise in a large saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
  • Pour into mugs, add an orange peel to each and serve with cinnamon stick and rosemary sprig.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 450mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 150IU | Vitamin C: 54.6mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 1.5mg

Consider serving mulled wine as an accompaniment to your Thanksgiving Feast, including cranberry relish and stuffed sweet potatoes.

1 thought on “Mulled Wine, for Chilly Autumn Nights and Holiday Entertaining”

Comments are closed.