How to Make the Best Mulled Wine for the Holidays: easy mulled wine recipe you’ll love

There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of mulled wine on a chilly winter evening. If you’ve ever wandered through German or Austrian Christmas markets, , you’ll know the scent instantly — that cozy mix of oranges, cinnamon, cloves, and red wine drifting through the cold air.

Mulled wine, or Glühwein as it’s called in Austria and Germany, is the drink of the season: warm, spiced, and wonderfully festive.

Making it at home is surprisingly easy, and it fills your kitchen with that same holiday magic. Here’s my go-to recipe — simple, traditional, and perfect for sharing with friends or sipping while you wrap gifts.

Mulled Wine (Glühwein) Recipe Ingredients

• 750 ml red wine (a dry or semi-dry wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works beautifully)
• 1 orange, sliced (plus a few extra slices to garnish)
• 2 tablespoons honey (you can add a bit more if you like it sweeter)
• 6 whole cloves
• 3 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish)
• 3 star anise

Equipment

• A saucepan for cooking
• A strainer
• Standard cooking cutlery / implements (knife, spoon etc)

Recipe below but first: pin this for later or bookmark it using the button on the bottom right, so you always have this on hand!

Mulled Wine Recipe Process

1. Combine everything in a pan.
   Pour the red wine into a medium saucepan, then add the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
2. Sweeten it up.
   Stir in the honey. Start with two tablespoons — you can always add more later if you prefer a sweeter taste.
3. Warm gently (no boiling!).
   Place the pan over low heat and let the wine warm slowly. You don’t want it to boil — that would cook off the alcohol and dull the flavor. Just a gentle simmer for about 10–15 minutes is perfect.
4. Taste and adjust.
   Give it a little taste and see if you’d like to tweak the sweetness or spice. If you want a stronger flavor, let it infuse for a few more minutes.
5. Strain and serve.
   Once the flavors are just right, remove the spices and orange slices. Pour the mulled wine into mugs or heatproof glasses.
6. Add a festive touch.
   Garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick and a fresh orange slice — simple, cozy, and beautiful.

Serving Tip

Mulled wine is perfect for cozy evenings in, or as a welcoming drink when friends stop by.

I love serving it alongside a few Christmas cookies or roasted nuts — it makes the whole moment feel like a little holiday celebration.

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