Your Guide to Mulled Wine: A Quintessential Holiday Favourite

As the chill of winter starts to set in, and we look forward to the upcoming Holiday Season, there’s nothing quite like the warmth that a steaming mug of mulled wine can bring. This cozy, spiced beverage is steeped in history and remains a timeless holiday classic around the globe. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a quiet night by the fire, mulled wine is a fail-safe way to celebrate the season and put a smile on the faces of those around you! 

A Brief History of Mulled Wine

Mulled wine dates back to the Roman Empire when winemakers began heating wine and adding honey, pepper, saffron, dates and various herbs and spices to preserve it during the colder months—a technique that also happened to mask any imperfections in the wine! The beverage was known as Conditum Paradoxum, a Latin phrase that translates to "surprise spiced wine". 

During the Middle Ages, spiced wine gained popularity across Europe, evolving into regional variations such as Germany’s Glühwein (which often includes rum or amaretto), Scandinavia’s Glögg (which incorporates raisins, almonds, and aquavit), and England’s wassail (which often switches out the wine in favour of cider). Each version showcases a unique blend of spices and local traditions, solidifying mulled wine as a festive favourite. 

How to Make Mulled Wine: A Step-by-Step Guide

(Serves 4-6)

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of red wine (750ml)
• 1/4 cup brandy (optional, for added warmth and flavour)
• 1 orange (sliced into rounds, plus extra for garnish)
• 1/4 cup sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
• 4-6 whole cloves
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise pods
• 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice berries
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 vanilla pod (optional, split lengthwise)
• Colorful garnishes like orange slices, cranberries, and fresh rosemary.

Instructions

1. Choose Your Wine!
2. Select a medium-bodied red wine with fruity notes and low tannins. In general, a Merlot, Zinfandel or Grenache would work beautifully, as these wines pair well with the spices that you will be adding. 
   
3. Prepare Your Spice Blend
4. Gather whole spices for maximum flavour. Use cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise as your base, adding allspice and nutmeg for depth. A split vanilla pod provides a subtle sweetness. For convenience, you can tie the spices in a cheesecloth for easy removal.
5. Heat the Wine and Spices
6. In a medium saucepan, combine the wine, orange slices, sugar (or honey), and spices. Heat on low until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to boil, as this can cook off the alcohol and alter the flavour.
7. Add Brandy (Optional)
8. For a richer, more robust flavour, stir in brandy or another fortified spirit like Grand Marnier or Cointreau.
9. Simmer and Infuse
10. Let the mixture simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. This allows the spices to infuse the wine fully, creating a complex and aromatic drink.
11. Strain and Serve
12. Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the mulled wine to remove spices and fruit. Ladle the mulled wine into mugs. Garnish, and enjoy! 

Mulled Wine Garnish Ideas and Presentation Tips

The presentation of your mulled wine is a chance to showcase your creative side! 

• Thin slices of orange or lemon, often studded with cloves, provide a festive look and complement the wine’s spiced profile. Twisted peels can also be draped over the rim of the glass.
• A single cinnamon stick serves as both garnish and a stirring tool.
• Star anise floats beautifully and reinforces the warm flavours.
• Fresh cranberries or frozen berries add a pop of colour and a touch of tartness.
• Modern presentations sometimes use candied citrus slices or sugared cranberries for a sweet and glittering effect.
• Sprigs of rosemary or thyme provide a fresh, fragrant garnish and a sophisticated touch.
• Don’t forget the rim! Run an orange wedge around the rim of each glass to moisten. Then dip the rim into a cinnamon sugar mix and twist back and forth to coat and create an elegant presentation.
• Serve your mulled wine in heat-proof mugs, clear glass cups, or goblets to showcase the rich colour of the wine.
• For gatherings, mulled wine is often ladled from a large, decorated bowl with floating garnishes like citrus slices and spices.
• Tip: Use a slow cooker to keep the wine warm all evening when serving at a party or holiday gathering. 

Tips on Choosing the Right Wine for Mulled Wine

When choosing a wine for mulled wine, it's essential to consider how the wine's flavours will interact with the spices and other ingredients. Here are some tips to help:

• Look for wines that are full-bodied which can support the added flavours of the spices without being overwhelmed. Our Dangerous Liaisons would be a perfect base wine for a traditional mulled wine. 
• Avoid very light red wines like Pinot Noir because they don’t offer enough body to carry the spices. 
• Opt for wines with natural notes of berries, cherries, or plums, or with tasting notes that describe the wine as “jammy” or with “notes of vanilla”. These flavours will complement the sweet and spicy flavours of mulled wine.
• Avoid overly oaky or high-tannin wines, which can become bitter when heated. Cabernet Sauvignon is an example of a wine NOT to use for mulled wine because of its heavier mouth feel and tannin structure. 
• Don’t choose the cheapest wine. While you don’t need to use an expensive or premium wine for mulled wine, the quality of the wine does matter because it forms the base of the drink. Cheap wines often lack complexity and balance, which can make your mulled wine taste flat or overly acidic, even after adding spices and sweeteners. Additionally, very low-quality wines may have off flavours that even the spices can’t mask.
• If you’re hosting a special occasion or want to impress guests, using a slightly better wine can elevate your mulled wine. Think of mulled wine as a blend of flavours—while the spices and sweeteners add depth, the wine itself remains the star. A higher-quality wine with a balanced profile will enhance the drink without overpowering the spices. 

Delicious Mulled Wine Variations

While the classic recipe features red wine, warming spices, and citrus, the beauty of mulled wine lies in its adaptability. From traditional blends to creative modern twists, there’s a mulled wine variation for every taste and occasion:

• White Mulled Wine: Use a dry or semi-sweet white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Riesling and incorporate lighter spices like cardamom, fresh ginger, and lemon zest. A splash of elderflower liqueur or St-Germain adds a delightful floral note. Add a few cranberries, apple slices, or pomegranate seeds for a burst of colour and flavour. Our OK Sweetheart would serve as an ideal base for a white wine mulled wine!
• Rosé Mulled Wine: If you're looking for a lighter and fruitier alternative to traditional mulled wine, rosé wine is a delightful choice. Its crisp and slightly floral profile pairs beautifully with delicate spices such as cardamon, pink peppercorns and ginger. 
• Spiked Cider Mulled Wine: Combine equal parts cider and red wine for a twist that combines the fruity sweetness of cider with the richness of wine. Add a splash of dark rum, bourbon, or brandy for added warmth!
• Non-Alcoholic Option: Swap wine for grape juice or apple cider, adding the same spices for a family-friendly treat. Pair with gingerbread, shortbread, or festive cookies!

Mulled Wine Gifting Idea

Creating a DIY mulled wine kit is a thoughtful and festive gift idea, perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Start by assembling the essential ingredients: whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and allspice, along with dried orange slices for added flavour. Package the spices in a small, airtight jar or a decorative sachet bag, and include a recipe card with easy-to-follow instructions for making mulled wine at home. To elevate the gift, pair the kit with a bottle of medium-bodied red wine or a non-alcoholic option. For a finishing touch, include festive extras like a wooden stir stick, a sprig of rosemary, or a personalized holiday tag. This DIY kit is simple to assemble yet makes a heartfelt and aromatic gift for friends, family, or coworkers.

Final Thoughts

Making mulled wine is a simple yet satisfying way to embrace the season. With endless customization options, it’s sure to become a favourite in your holiday traditions. Gather your spices, pour a glass, and let the warmth of mulled wine bring joy to your winter days!