Mulled Wine (glühwein)

By Becky Hardin

Updated Oct 21, 2025

Mulled Wine is my go-to holiday drink; it’s simple, delicious, and it’s made in under 30 minutes. I find it’s also the perfect way to warm up on a chilly night and welcome the holidays with friends.

Two glasses of glühwein with orange slices and cinnamon sticks. - 6

Pin this recipe for later!

Easy Mulled Wine Recipe

When the air gets chilly and the leaves have all fallen, I find there’s nothing better than a warm, spiced drink. Infused with whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and fresh oranges, this mulled wine recipe is the essence of comfort and cheer. It’s just the drink that gets me into the holiday spirit, so I love sharing it with friends and family over the holidays.

This mulled wine usually has an alcohol content of around 7%, but it can be as high as 14%, which is about the same as a typical bottle of wine. When I’m in the mood for warmth and spice but don’t want any alcohol, I’ll make a non-alcoholic version using grape juice or apple cider as the base. I still use the same spices and ingredients, but omit the wine.

Tips and Variations

Use dry wine . I find full-bodied, dry wine works best. Look for bottles that are described as “jammy” or with “notes of vanilla.” I like Cabernet Sauvignon best.
Do not boil. Do not bring the wine to a full boil, as it can drive off the alcohol content and make the flavors harsh.
Double or halve. This recipe yields about eight 5-oz. servings, but if I’m entertaining a large group, I’ll double the recipe; if I’m entertaining a small group, I’ll cut the recipe in half.
Keep the wine warm . I like to pour the wine into a crockpot set on warm so the wine stays warm for hours—it lasts that long!
Change the spices . For a change of flavor, I’ll add cardamom pods, black peppercorns, fresh ginger, or even a bay leaf. A splash of vanilla extract or spiced rum also enhances the spicy flavor.
Add citrus. For a fresher taste, sometimes I’ll add different types of citrus, like lemons, grapefruits, or limes, for a tangy twist. Or if I’m in the mood for a tart drink, I’ll add cranberry juice.

Ingredients1x2x3x

▢ 750 mL red wine I like Cabernet Sauvignon (1 bottle)
▢ ¼ cup honey or agave nectar
▢ 2 cups apple cider not apple cider vinegar!
▢ ¼ cup orange liqueur I like Grand Marnier (optional)
▢ 1 orange sliced
▢ 4 whole cloves
▢ 4 cinnamon sticks

Optional Garnishes

▢ star anise, orange slices, cinnamon sticks

Video

Instructions

Bring the wine, honey, cider, orange liqueur, sliced fruit, cloves, and cinnamon sticks to a simmer in a saucepan set over medium-high heat. 750 mL red wine, ¼ cup honey, 2 cups apple cider, ¼ cup orange liqueur, 1 orange, 4 whole cloves, 4 cinnamon sticks
Once simmering, reduce to medium-low heat and continue to simmer for about 30 minutes.
Strain and serve, garnished with more fruit, star anise, and cinnamon sticks if desired. star anise, orange slices, cinnamon sticks

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

How to Make Mulled Wine Step by Step

Combine the ingredients: Combine 1 bottle of red wine, ¼ cup of honey, 2 cups of apple cider, ¼ cup of orange liqueur, 2 sliced oranges, 4 whole cloves, and 4 cinnamon sticks, and bring to a simmer in a saucepan set over medium-high heat.

Simmer: Once simmering, reduce to medium-low heat and continue to simmer for about 30 minutes.

Straining the mulled wine through a fine mesh strainer. - 9

Strain : Strain the mulled wine through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.

Simple mulled wine recipe, garnished with orange and cinnamon. - 10

Garnish and serve. Serve garnished with more fruit, star anise, and cinnamon sticks if desired.

How to Store

Store leftover mulled wine in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. To reheat it, place it in a pot and let it simmer until warm, or to quickly warm it up, you can microwave glühwein in 30-second increments until hot.

Glass of spiced wine with an orange slice and cinnamon stick sitting on top - 11

Serving Suggestions

Sometimes I’ll drop in a cinnamon stick or orange wedge for a festive touch when serving this! When I’m hosting for the holidays, I find this sweet and flavorful wine complements the flavors of a charcuterie board , and bacon wrapped dates really well. If I’m looking for more finger food options, if I’ve got a big crowd, these sausage rolls and mini quiches fit the bill well.

More Holiday Cocktails To Try

MULLED WINE MARGARITAS are fun, festive, and unique. This favorite hot spiced wine recipe has complex flavors and it warms the soul. This Mulled Wine Recipe is the ultimate Christmas margarita! - 12

Mulled Wine Margaritas (Christmas Margarita Recipe)

Holiday Sangria

Jingle Juice

Cranberry Margarita

Two glasses of glühwein with orange slices and cinnamon sticks. - 20

Mulled Wine Recipe (Glühwein)