This Slow Cooker Mulled Wine is the epitome of simplicity and warmth. Combining red wine with a touch of brandy, it’s infused with the comforting flavors of orange, cinnamon, and cloves.
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Mulled wine is a delicious and warm deviation from a regular glass of wine. Perfect for the Holidays, when it’s cold outside, and when you’re spending time with friends and loved ones. I first discovered mulled wine on a girl’s trip with some friends, and now I must make it every Holiday season.
Mulled wine is pretty easy to make, and it’s great for making in a slow cooker. To make mulled wine, put red wine, whole spices, and fruit in a slow cooker and let it warm up.
Oh, you’ll also want to add a bit of Brandy for an extra layer of richness and depth. The Brandy makes the wine taste better, mixing well with the spices and fruit. It creates a delicious and luxurious drink for enjoying on a chilly night.
If you like warm and delicious, you’ll love our Hot Toddy Apple Cider recipe, too.
Ingredients for Mulled Wine
- Red wine – I suggest using a medium to full-bodied wine, like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. I wouldn’t splurge on the most expensive bottle either.
- Fruit – Sliced orange.
- Whole Spices – cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise.
- Sweetener – mild honey.
- Alcohol – Brandy.
Tools Needed
- slow cooker
- mugs for serving
How to make Mulled Wine in a slow cooker
Pour a 750ml bottle of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon into the slow cooker insert. Slice the orange into rounds and add to the wine.
Add the whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, whole star anise, and the honey.
Cover and set the slow cooker to low heat. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 hours.
When 10 minutes are left, add Brandy.
Optionally strain out the spices and orange slices before serving.
Serve warm from the slow cooker, garnished with an orange slice or cinnamon stick if desired.
How to make it ahead and storage options
To make mulled wine ahead of time, prepare the recipe as usual. Once done, let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator in an airtight for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm it gently over low heat to ensure the alcohol doesn’t evaporate and the flavors stay intact.
Variations
- Change up the Fruit: I use orange slices in this recipe but feel free to add or sub other fruits, like apples and cranberries.
- Use different Alcohol: Most mull wines use Brandy, but you could use another Whiskey, Cognac, or Rum.
- Non-Alcoholic Mulled “Wine”: Use grape juice or non-alcoholic wine as the base and follow the usual mulled wine recipe. This is a great option for those avoiding alcohol but still wanting to enjoy the flavors of mulled wine.
Expert Tips
- Use Whole Spices: Ground spices can leave a gritty texture to your mulled wine. The idea is to extract the flavor from the whole spices.
- Use a Cheesecloth for Spices: To make your mulled wine preparation and serving easier, wrap your whole spices like cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise in a piece of cheesecloth or use a tea infuser. This allows for easy removal of the spices before serving
- Balance the Sweetness: Be cautious with the honey. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. Remember, the wine and fruit will already add some natural sweetness. Using a less sweet wine as a base can also give you more control over the final sweetness level.
- Avoid Overheating: Never let your mulled wine boil. Overheating can cause the alcohol to evaporate and alter the flavors. Always heat it gently over low heat, and if using a slow cooker, use the ‘low’ setting. This ensures the flavors meld together without losing the essence of the wine.
- Add the Brandy later: I like to add my Brandy later, just before serving to preserve the alcohol content.
I hope you enjoy this mulled wine as much as we do. If you like Holiday drink recipes, try these out.
Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
Ingredients
- 1 750 milliliter bottle of red wine Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
- 1 medium orange rinsed, dried, and sliced into rounds
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole star anise
- ½ Tablespoon whole cloves
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 2 Tablespoons Brandy
Instructions
- Pour the bottle of red wine into the slow cooker insert. Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole star anise, and cloves. Stir in the honey.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to low heat and allow it to simmer for 1 to 2 hours. Add Brandy when there are 10 minutes left.
- Strain out the spices and orange slices before serving.
- Serve warm from the slow cooker, garnished with an orange slice or cinnamon stick if desired.
Notes
- I used a 2-quart slow cooker for this recipe. If using a larger slow cooker, your mulled wine will likely warm faster.
- To make mulled wine ahead of time, prepare the recipe as usual. Once done, let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator in an airtight for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm it gently over low heat to ensure the alcohol doesn’t evaporate and the flavors stay intact.