Traditional Mulled Wine: The Cozy Classic You’ll Want to Sip All Winter Long

Tue, Mar 11, 25

There’s something magical about the season—cold weather, cozy blankets, and the delightful aromas filling your home. One of the most comforting ways to warm up during this time of year is with a steaming mug of traditional mulled wine. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a treat!

Traditional mulled wine is a time-honored tradition that’s been around for centuries. It's a drink made by heating red wine with spices, fruits, and a touch of sweetness, making it the perfect companion for winter nights. Think of it as the ultimate cozy drink that perfectly blends warmth and festive flavors.

What’s Mulled Wine?

Mulled wine is essentially red wine that’s been infused with a blend of aromatic spices and fruits. The result? A rich, fragrant, and warming drink that’s guaranteed to lift your spirits on even the coldest evenings. It’s popular during the holidays, and in many countries, it’s a staple at Christmas markets, keeping people toasty as they shop for festive goodies.

Traditional Mulled Wine Ingredients

The beauty of mulled wine is that it’s flexible, but a few key ingredients always remain the same:

Red Wine: The heart of mulled wine. Choose a full-bodied, rich red to give your drink depth.
Spices: Cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and nutmeg are the go-to spices that add the warmth and complexity you’re looking for.
Fruits: Oranges and lemons provide that refreshing citrusy zest that balances out the richness of the wine.
Sweetener: A little sugar, honey, or maple syrup to add a touch of sweetness.
Liquor: For an added depth of flavor, a splash of brandy or rum is often added.

How to Make the Perfect Mulled Wine

Ready to dive in? Here’s how you can make your own traditional mulled wine at home. It’s super simple and so worth it!Ingredients:

1 bottle of red wine (750 ml)
1/4 cup brandy (optional)
1/4 cup honey or sugar (or more, to taste)
1 orange, sliced into rounds
1 lemon, sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
3 cloves
2 star anise
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
1/2 cup water

Directions:

Pour the red wine, brandy (if using), and water into a large pot. Heat it gently on low heat. Don’t let it boil—you want to warm it up, not cook it.
Stir in your honey or sugar to sweeten. Keep stirring until it’s completely dissolved.
Add the orange and lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and nutmeg. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
Let the wine simmer on low for 20-30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors will become.
Taste it, and if you like it a little sweeter or spicier, adjust the flavors.
Strain out the spices and serve the mulled wine hot in your favorite mugs.

The Best Wines for Mulled Wine

When crafting the perfect traditional mulled wine, selecting the right red wine is essential. You’ll want a wine that’s full-bodied and bold, yet able to harmonize with the aromatic spices. Here are some excellent choices from our collection:

Frei Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon

Deep violet in color with blackberry and cherry aromas, this wine’s smooth, rich flavor profile stands up beautifully to the spices in your mulled wine.

Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Cab Sauv

Lush aromas of red plum, dark berries, and hints of cassis and milk chocolate create a wonderfully smooth and well-rounded base for mulled wine.

Sebastiani Alexander Valley Cab. Sauv.

Rich currant, anise, cedar, and tobacco flavors bring excellent depth and concentration, making it the perfect match for mulling spices.

Charles Krug Merlot

If you prefer a softer touch, this Merlot offers ripe cherry, mocha, and red currant notes, with silky smooth tannins that balance out the spices beautifully.

Get ready to sip

No matter which wine you choose, you’ll be crafting a mulled wine that will have everyone coming back for more. If you haven’t tried making your own traditional mulled wine yet, now’s the perfect time—especially with all the wonderful wines we have to offer. Find your favorite red and get ready to stir up some holiday cheer! Cheers to warmth, flavor, and a cozy holiday season!

By Arlington Wine and Liquor