What’s the antidote to a cold winter night? A warm mug of mulled wine, of course. These 9 mulled wine recipes are the perfect way to warm up!
What is mulled wine exactly? It’s simply warm, spiced wine. It usually features red wine, baking spices, and citrus – like a wintertime sangria that you heat up on the stove.
People have been drinking mulled wine for centuries, and pretty much every culture has their own unique spin on this wonderful beverage.
Want to make your own cup of cheer?
On chilly nights, fire up the stove and break out the cloves and cinnamon sticks. We’ll show you how to take yourself on a virtual world tour from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Enjoy these 9 mulled wine recipes from around the world, including a recipe for mulled white wine.
How to Make Mulled Wine
For any mulled wine recipe, you’re going to need a bottle of red wine and a large pot or crock pot. Simply pour in the wine, toss in the spices, fruit, and optional liqueurs, wait for it to heat up, and enjoy! You can use any red wine you like however, it’s generally best to start with a bold red that can hold its own next along with the spices. Syrah, Malbec, or Tempranillo all work very well in mulled wine. When you make one of these regional recipes, go with a regional wine to give your winter warmer some local flair. For instance, use Nebbiolo in Italian mulled wine, or a Rhône blend in French mulled wine. Cheers!
1. German Glühwein
This traditional German drink is slightly sweet, and pairs perfectly with Christmas cookies. Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine
- ¼ cup sugar
- star anise
- 1 sliced lemon
- 3 cloves
- 3 cardamom pods
2. Nordic Gløgg
In Norway, Gløgg (pronounced “glog” or “glug”) has an extra kick from the brandy to really take the chill out of the Scandinavian air. Ingredients:
- 1 bottle red wine
- ½ bottle of brandy
- whole cloves
- cinnamon sticks
- ½ cup raisins
- cardamom seeds
- 2 cups sugar
- orange zest
3. French Vin Chaud
French Vin Chaud (hot wine) has a touch of elegance thanks to the Cognac and pairs well with winter crockpot recipes like Beef Bourguignon. Ingredients:
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1/2 cup Cognac
- cinnamon sticks
- whole cloves
- sliced orange
4. Spanish Vino Caliente
Use Tempranillo in Spanish mulled wine for a fruity, spicy beverage. Ingredients:
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1/4 cup Brandy de Jerez
- A sliced clementine
- 4 strips of lemon peel
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 vanilla bean, halved
- 1 tsp nutmeg
5. Portuguese Vinho Quente
This winter warmer features Portugal’s top two wines: Madeira and port. These rich, flavorful wines add body and a bit of sweetness. Ingredients:
- ½ bottle ruby port
- ½ bottle Madeira
- 1 thin sliced orange
- cinnamon sticks
- cloves
6. British Mulled Wine
British mulled wine, or a Smoking Bishop as it was called in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, pairs perfectly with holiday movie nights. Ingredients:
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1 cup sugar
- a clementine
- a lemon
- a lime
- whole cloves
- cinnamon sticks
- nutmeg
- vanilla pod
- star anise
7. Italian Vin Brulé
From northern Italy’s Piedmont region, Vin Brulé pairs well with snowy nights and ski trips. Ingredients:
- 1 bottle Italian red wine
- 1 cup sugar
- a lemon
- an orange
- star anise
- cloves
- sticks cinnamon
- nutmeg
- apple brandy (optional)
8. Quebecois Mulled Wine
In Quebec, the winter is made a bit more bearable with this mulled wine, featuring Canadian whiskey and maple syrup.
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1¼ ounces Maple Whiskey Liqueur
- 2 ounces maple syrup
- cinnamon
- nutmeg
9. Mulled White Wine
Finally, we know that not everyone loves red wine. Not to worry. You can totally make mulled wine with white wine and it’s just as delicious. Use a dry white wine with hints of fall spices like Chenin Blanc, or a light white wine like Riesling. Ingredients:
- 1 bottle white wine
- 1 ½ cups apple cider (or hard cider)
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup whole cranberries
- A sliced orange
- A sliced apple
- cinnamon sticks
- 1 vanilla bean
- cardamom pods
- anise cloves
- Pomegranate seeds (optional)
