Cozy up with this easy mulled wine recipe! Make a small batch for a quiet winter night or a big pot for holiday parties. It’s warm, spiced, and a perfectly festive drink.
The Perfect Mulled Wine for Any Holiday Gathering
When the weather turns chilly, I love making a batch of mulled wine for myself—a cozy cup that tastes like Christmas in a mug.
There’s something so comforting about simmering red wine with a few slices of orange, cinnamon sticks, and cloves while the aroma fills the kitchen. It’s my favorite way to unwind on a cold night. But when it’s time to entertain, I turn this same easy recipe into a big-batch version for holiday parties.
Guests love serving themselves a warm, spiced drink that instantly feels festive. Whether it’s a quiet evening or a lively gathering, this simple modern mulled wine recipe always brings a little extra warmth to the season.
Quick Small-Batch Mulled Wine for Cozy Nights
When I’m craving a taste of Christmas on a chilly night, I love making a small-batch version of this mulled wine recipe. It’s the perfect amount for one or two people—warm, fragrant, and full of festive flavor without needing a whole bottle.
Get my small batch recipe here and scroll down to the recipe card for the large batch party recipe.
Ingredients (Serves 1–2)
- 1½ cups red wine (a fruity Merlot, Zinfandel, or Garnacha works best)
- Juice from half of an orange
- 1 tablespoon fresh cranberries (optional)
- 1½ teaspoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3–4 whole cloves
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1–2 orange slices
- 1 oz brandy or orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
- ½ teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
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Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the wine, orange juice, cranberries, sugar, cloves, cinnamon stick, and orange slices.
- Warm gently over low heat for 10–15 minutes—do not let it boil.
- Stir in the brandy and honey (if using), then let it steep for a few more minutes.
- Strain into heatproof mugs and garnish with an orange slice or cinnamon stick.
Why is Mulled Wine Associated with Winter & Christmas?
- The tradition of serving mulled wine at winter fairs and Christmas markets became more entrenched in 19th-century Europe (especially in German-speaking countries). For instance, the German term Glühwein (“glow wine”) comes from this festive, warm winter beverage culture. Les Grappes+1
- In Victorian England, the drink gained a strong holiday connection — one variant, Smoking Bishop (a version of mulled wine/punch) is even mentioned in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
- Wine was often safer to drink than water historically, so heating and spicing it was both practical and pleasurable.
How to Keep Mulled Wine Warm
- Slow Cooker or Crockpot
- Keep it on the “warm” setting for hours. Guests can easily serve themselves.
- Add a few extra citrus slices or spices before serving for fresh aroma.
- Stovetop on Low Heat
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven on the lowest heat.
- Cover partially to retain warmth and moisture.
- Electric Beverage Dispenser or Coffee Urn
- Great for parties! Keeps the wine at a consistent serving temperature and allows easy pouring.
- Insulated Pitcher or Thermal Carafe
- Ideal for smaller gatherings or taking mulled wine outdoors.
What to Serve It In
- For casual gatherings: Use heatproof glass mugs, ceramic mugs, or handled punch cups. Mason jars with handles work well too.
- For elegant parties: Serve in clear glass mugs or mulled wine goblets to showcase the deep ruby color and floating garnishes.
- Avoid thin wine glasses—they can crack from the heat.
Presentation: Garnish each cup with a cinnamon stick, orange slice, or star anise for a beautiful, aromatic touch.
Mulled Wine for a Crowd
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine — a fruity, medium-bodied one works best (Merlot or Zinfandel) 750 ml red wine — a fruity, medium-bodied one works best (Merlot or Zinfandel)
- Juice from 1 large orange
- ¼ cup fresh cranberries for color and a touch of tartness – optional
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar adjust to taste
- 10 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 orange slices
- 4 oz brandy or orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier
- 2 teaspoons honey optional, for extra sweetness
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan or small pot, combine everything except the brandy/orange liqueur and honey.?(That’s the wine, orange juice, cranberries, brown sugar, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices.)
- Warm gently over low heat until steaming — don’t let it boil — about 160–170°F (70–75°C).
- Let it simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to help the flavors meld.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the brandy (or orange liqueur) and honey if desired.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or spice to your liking.
- Strain out the spices and fruit, then ladle into mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish with an orange slice, cinnamon stick, or a few floating cranberries.
Notes
For a softer spice flavor, you can place the cloves in a small piece of cheesecloth or a tea infuser for easy removal. To keep it warm for a party, use a slow cooker on the “warm” setting (not hot). For a festive touch, rim mugs with a bit of sugar and orange zest before serving.
