A simple recipe for mulled wine that is loaded with notes of citrus and warming spices and can be made in your slow cooker or on the stove top. It's cozy, festive and perfect for the holiday season!
1750 ml bottle dry red wine(I used a Zinfandel, but Merlot, Grenache, Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon are all great options)
¼cupbrandy
1large orangesliced into rounds, plus more for garnish
8whole cloves
3whole cinnamon sticks
3whole star anise
1-2Tablespoonsmaple syrup or honeyor your desired sweetener, plus more to taste
optional garnishes: orange slices, extra cinnamon sticks, extra star anise
Instructions
Stove Top
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients. Bring to a simmer then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for at least 15 minutes. Don’t let the mixture come to a boil — you don’t want to boil off the alcohol. The longer it sits the spicier it will get.
Pour wine in a heat proof mug, serve warm and garnish with more orange slices, cinnamon sticks and extra star anise, if desired.
Slow Cooker
Combine all of the ingredients in your slow cooker, cover, and cook on low until the wine is steaming hot (about 1 hour). Once the wine is warm, reduce heat to warm or the lowest possible setting so it doesn’t get too spicy.
Pour wine in a heat proof mug, serve warm and garnish with more orange slices, cinnamon sticks and extra star anise, if desired.
Notes
Brandy: Not necessary but most mulled wine recipes do include brandy! You can sub for whiskey or bourbon as well.