Experience the festive indulgence with this mulled wine recipe. Infused with aromatic spices, citrus, and ginger, it transforms into a Sweet Mulled Wine delight. Whether served as a warm, vegan mulled beverage or a classic treat, this Mulled Wine Spice Mix Recipe promises coziness and holiday cheer in every sip.

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I made this Easy Gluhwein recipe for a recent holiday get together and it turned out pretty awesome. I used a 750 ml bottle of red wine but if you prefer a non alcoholic version you can just swap it out with a red liquid.

I started by simmering thinly sliced orange, 3 to 4 cinnamon sticks, 5 to 6 whole cloves, 2 star anise, and a 1-inch slice of fresh ginger with 1/4 cup white sugar. I adjusted the sugar based on my taste so it’s not too sweet or too tart.

I sometimes add 1/4 cup brandy if I want an extra kick, kinda like the mulled wine spice mix recipes you find online. This drink has some nice nutritional benefits too such as vitamin C from the orange and ginger that helps with digestion.

Its a warm, cozy, and sweet mulled wine that’s just perfect for cold winter days. Enjoy your Muddled Wine vibes!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because:
1. I love how the blend of spices and orange infusion fills my kitchen with a warm, cozy aroma that instantly sets the holiday mood.
2. I appreciate that I can adjust the sweetness and even swap out the wine for a non‐alcoholic version if that’s what suits me that day.
3. I really enjoy the flexibility of adding an extra kick with brandy, making it perfect for when I want a little extra warmth.
4. I like that the process is simple and forgiving, which makes it fun to experiment with and enjoy all over again every time I make it.

Learn how to make mulled wine really easily! This gluhwein recipe is spiced just right—its perfect for the holidays and feels so festive. I mean, you can even use a red liquid if you wanna go non‐alcoholic, so there’s really no excuse not to try it. The instructions are simple: just toss your sliced orange and all your spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and ginger) into a pot with the wine or alternative red drink. Then, add some white sugar to your taste and even a bit of brandy if you’re feelin’ adventurous. Warm the whole mix slowly over low heat so the flavours have time to cozy up together—don’t let it boil though! After a little simmering for 15 to 20 minutes, strain out those spice bits and serve it up in your fav mugs. It’s a perfect way to relax on a cold winter night while enjoyin’ a homemade festive treat.

Ingredients

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Red wine: A smooth, antioxidant rich drink loaded with natural carbohydrates and energy boost.
Orange: Its tangy zest adds vitamin C, balancing sweetness with a slight sour twist.
Cinnamon sticks: They bring warm spice and antioxidants, making the drink comfortingly aromatic.
Cloves: Tiny yet potent, they infuse bold taste and a pinch of essential nutrients.
Star anise: Offers a mild licorice tone and delicate aroma that deepens the flavor.
Ginger: Adds a zesty kick with anti inflammatory benefits and a side of spice.
White sugar: Simple carbohydrate that sweetens and ties all flavors together.

Ingredient Quantities

750 ml bottle of red wine (or a red liquid if you’re goin non alcoholic)

1 orange, thinly sliced

3 to 4 cinnamon sticks

5 to 6 whole cloves

2 star anise

1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced

1/4 cup white sugar (adjust as needed to suit your taste)

Optional: 1/4 cup brandy for an extra kick

How to Make this

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1. Pour the red wine (or your chosen red liquid) into a large pot and add the thinly sliced orange.

2. Toss in the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and ginger slices all into the pot.

3. Stir in the white sugar, adjusting it if you want it a bit sweeter or less sweet.

4. If you’re using brandy, now’s the time to add that extra kick by pouring in the 1/4 cup.

5. Warm the mixture over low heat, making sure it slowly heats up without reaching a boil.

6. Let it simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes so that all the flavors can mix up nicely.

7. Once done, remove from heat and strain the mulled wine to remove the spices and orange bits.

8. Serve it warm in your favorite mugs and enjoy a cozy, holiday drink!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Stirring spoon
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring cup
6. Strainer
7. Mugs

FAQ

Can I use a non alcoholic option or do I have to use red wine?

Absolutely you can go non alcoholic by using a red liquid that suits your taste. Just do the same steps but expect the flavor a bit different.

How long do I need to simmer the mulled wine?

Let it heat on a low simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. That gives all the spices a chance to really infuse the wine.

Do I have to pre-slice the ginger and orange before I start?

Yeah, it'd be best to slice them up before adding. It saves you time and makes sure the flavors mix in right away.

Can the sugar amount be changed?

Sure thing, feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste. You may like it sweeter or less sweet, its totally up to you.

Is it ok to add the brandy now or wait until serving?

You can add the brandy at any step, but many folks add it at the end right before serving to really keep that extra kick fresh.

Easy Gluhwein Recipe (Mulled Wine) Substitutions and Variations

If you cant find red wine or want a non alcoholic version, try using red grape juice or even cranberry juice.
If you arent keen on oranges, you can substitute with lemon slices or a mix of citrus like grapefruit for a similar tangy twist.
If cinnamon sticks are hard to come by, you can use about 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for each stick, but be careful since ground spices pack more flavor.
If you dont have whole cloves, a pinch of ground cloves (about 1/8 teaspoon for each whole one) should work fine.
If fresh ginger is not available, use about 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger as a substitute.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you heat it up real slowly and keep it under a simmer so the alcohol and flavors dont evaporate, you know?
2. Try putting all your spices in a cheesecloth or tea infuser so its easier to scoop them out later without losing any bits into your mug.
3. Taste it at the end and adjust the sugar if needed since simmering kinda mellows out the sweetness over time.
4. If you like a little extra kick or a twist, a bit more brandy or a squeeze of extra orange juice can really brighten things up, just be careful not to overdo it.

Easy Gluhwein Recipe (Mulled Wine)

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

150

kcal

Equipment: 1. Large pot
2. Stirring spoon
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring cup
6. Strainer
7. Mugs

Ingredients

750 ml bottle of red wine (or a red liquid if you're goin non alcoholic)
1 orange, thinly sliced
3 to 4 cinnamon sticks
5 to 6 whole cloves
2 star anise
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
1/4 cup white sugar (adjust as needed to suit your taste)
Optional: 1/4 cup brandy for an extra kick

Directions

Pour the red wine (or your chosen red liquid) into a large pot and add the thinly sliced orange.
Toss in the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and ginger slices all into the pot.
Stir in the white sugar, adjusting it if you want it a bit sweeter or less sweet.
If you're using brandy, now's the time to add that extra kick by pouring in the 1/4 cup.
Warm the mixture over low heat, making sure it slowly heats up without reaching a boil.
Let it simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes so that all the flavors can mix up nicely.
Once done, remove from heat and strain the mulled wine to remove the spices and orange bits.
Serve it warm in your favorite mugs and enjoy a cozy, holiday drink!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.