Description
This cozy mulled wine recipe is the perfect warm Thanksgiving cocktail, filled with festive spices, citrus, and a splash of brandy or orange liqueur. It comes together in just 20 minutes and is guaranteed to fill your home with the scent of the holidays.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (750 ml) bottle dry, fruity red wine (such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Zinfandel)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) brandy or orange liqueur (Cointreau or Grand Marnier; optional)
- 1–2 fresh oranges (zest of 1, plus sliced into rounds)
- 2–3 whole cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole star anise
- 5–6 whole cloves
- 3–4 tablespoons (45–60 ml) honey or maple syrup, to taste
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and slice 1-2 oranges into thin rounds. Zest one orange before slicing.
- Peel and slice a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, if using.
- Gather 2-3 cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise, and 5-6 whole cloves.
- Pour the 750 ml bottle of red wine into a medium to large saucepan.
- Add 1/4 cup brandy or orange liqueur.
- Add the sliced oranges, orange zest, ginger, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves.
- Pour in 3-4 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (start with less, add more to taste).
- Set the pot over medium-low heat and gently warm until just barely simmering (about 10 minutes). Do not let it boil.
- Stir occasionally and let the spices infuse for 10-15 minutes.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired. Add more honey/maple or a splash more brandy if you like.
- If desired, squeeze in a bit of fresh orange juice for extra citrus.
- Turn off the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, if using.
- Strain out the orange slices and whole spices using a fine mesh strainer or slotted spoon.
- Ladle the warm mulled wine into mugs or heatproof glasses.
- Garnish with extra orange slices, a cinnamon stick, or cranberries if desired.
Notes
Use whole spices for best flavor and easy removal. Taste and adjust sweetness as you go. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute cranberry, pomegranate, or grape juice for the wine and omit the brandy. Mulled wine can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug (about 5-6 oz)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: mulled wine, Thanksgiving cocktail, warm drink, holiday drink, spiced wine, easy mulled wine, cozy cocktail, Christmas drink, winter cocktail, red wine recipe