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How to Make Mulled Wine in the Slow Cooker

Nothing says Christmas like a warm spiced drink. This slow cooker mulled wine recipe is really easy—throw in the wine, spices, and a bit of brandy, and enjoy the warm smells of cinnamon, cloves, and orange as they fill your kitchen.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, decorating, or unwinding after a chilly day, this recipe is perfect. Everything comes together easily, letting you relax and enjoy the holiday atmosphere while your home fills with a great smell. After trying it, you might want to make it a holiday tradition.

2 cups mulled wine with orange slilces

Sweet + Spiced Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

Just throw everything in your slow cooker and enjoy the sweet cinnamon fragrance while this mulled wine creates a delicious holiday blend perfect for a party or a cozy night in.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Serving Size 5 people

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (at least 3 quarts; 6 quarts if doubling the recipe)
  • Citrus zester or grater
  • Juicer
  • Ladle

Ingredients 

  • 1 bottle red wine (pick a moderately dry variety)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 orange
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (plus additional for garnish)
  • 1 star anise
  • 5 cloves
  • 1/4 cup apple brandy (optional, or try another flavored brandy)

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Instructions 

  • Prep the orange.  Zest the orange and set the zest aside. Then, cut the orange in half. Juice one half and add the juice to the slow cooker. Next, slice the remaining half into thin rounds and set them aside for garnish.
    1 orange juice zested
  • Add the ingredients.  Add the wine, granulated sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and brandy (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Cover and cook on low for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to blend.
    slow cooker filled with wine topped with orange slices and cinnamon sticks
  • Serve.  Ladle the warm mulled wine into mugs. Garnish each mug with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick, if desired, for an extra festive touch.
    2 clear mugs with mulled wine

Notes

For a balanced taste, a moderately dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.  Avoid sweet wines since the sugar and spices will already bring enough sweetness.
A full-bodied wine will give you a richer flavor, perfect for mulled wine.  If you want a lighter version, add a little apple cider to balance the flavors without losing the warmth from the spices.
Using whole spices, like cinnamon sticks and cloves, is best for this recipe since they release their flavor slowly and don’t make the drink bitter.  Avoid ground spices because they can make the wine grainy and too strong.
Keep some extra slices of fresh orange or a couple of whole cinnamon sticks to garnish.  This will make each mug look festive and let your guests enjoy the aroma as they drink.
If you want a more complex flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, a couple of cardamom pods, or a splash of cranberry juice.  A few slices of fresh ginger can also give the drink a warm kick.
You might also consider adding a small rosemary or thyme sprig for a mild herbal taste.  Remember to take it out before serving since the flavor can weaken over time.
Try using a tablespoon of honey instead of some sugar for a different kind of sweetness.  Honey adds excellent depth and pairs well with the spices.
Calories: 183kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 246mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 66IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg

If I’m looking for some holiday cheer, I usually go to this recipe, which I love because it always fills my kitchen with warm scents of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus. This wine is simple—I pour in a good bottle of red wine, toss in some spices, add a splash of brandy, and let it do its thing. In about an hour, I’ll have a tasty drink perfect for sipping by the fire, wrapping gifts, or gathering with friends and family.

If you want a cold option, this Christmas Sangria is another crowd-pleaser with a lighter, fruity taste that’s perfect for the holidays.

2 cups mulled red wine in clear mug with cinnamon sticks

Did you know that mulled wine is a wonderful treat for cozy nights? Studies have shown that moderate red wine consumption can have certain health benefits. You can read more about these findings in this article from the European Heart Journal Supplement.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

  • Mulled wine should be warm, not boiling. If your slow cooker gets too hot, switch it to the warm setting after the first hour to prevent overcooking the wine.
  • Letting the mulled wine cook on low for an hour lets the spices develop their full flavor without cooking off the alcohol. If you have extra time, you can keep it warm after that for an even richer taste.
  • If you’re serving the mulled wine directly from the slow cooker, make sure it has a “warm” setting to keep it at just the right temperature for sipping without getting too hot. A clear lid is also useful so guests can admire the spiced wine without needing to lift the lid.
  • Start with less sugar if you’re unsure how sweet you want it. You can always add more after it’s warmed up. Taste it after about 30 minutes to see if you want to adjust the sweetness.
  • When pouring the mulled wine into mugs, do it carefully to avoid getting cloves, star anise, or any bits of zest. You could also strain the wine into a serving bowl for a smoother drink without spice debris.
  • Warm your mugs with hot water for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the mulled wine warm longer and makes it more enjoyable to sip.
  • To make it easier to clean up, you can put the cloves and star anise in a tea strainer or spice bag before adding them to the slow cooker. This will make serving less messy as well.

This recipe’s key ingredients and tools can make your wine stand out. Here are some must-haves and what makes each one important:

bottle of red wine, cinnamon sticks, sugar, star anise, and apple brandy on marble counter
  • Star Anise: This spice adds a mild licorice flavor that enhances the taste of the wine. Look for it in the international or Asian foods section or a specialty spice store. A small piece of fennel can be a substitute for a similar taste if unavailable.
  • Apple Brandy: A splash of apple brandy brings warmth and a bit of fruitiness to the wine. Regular or spiced rum can work if you don’t have apple brandy.
  • Cinnamon Sticks: Whole cinnamon sticks offer a warm, sweet-spicy flavor that’s softer than using ground cinnamon. You can find them in the baking or spice section, and using sticks helps keep the mulled wine clear and smooth.
  • Whole Cloves: These little buds give your drink that comforting, spicy scent. Be cautious with how many you use, as they can be quite strong. If whole cloves are hard to find, you can usually get them in small bags in the spice section. You can also use a pinch of ground cloves (just a small amount to keep it from being bitter).
  • Moderately Dry Red Wine: Picking the right wine is important—a moderately dry red, like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs well with the sweetness and spices without overpowering. Avoid very sweet reds since the recipe will add enough sweetness.

These ingredients and tools are simple but essential for making a rich, balanced wine. With them, you’re ready to create a festive drink that smells great and tastes delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this wine with homemade bread, spiced nuts, a cheese board with aged cheeses, dark chocolate squares, old-fashioned gingerbread, or prosciutto-wrapped figs.

Troubleshooting and Help

Do I have to use a slow cooker?

Not at all! You can make it on the stovetop—keep it on low heat and make sure it doesn’t boil, or you’ll lose the flavors and aromas. Once it’s warm, you can transfer it to a heat-safe pot or serving bowl to keep it warm.

How sweet will this mulled wine be?

It’s mildly sweet but balanced by the spices and citrus. If you like a less sweet drink, start with half the sugar, taste after it warms up, and add more if you’d like.

Can I use white wine instead of red?

You can! White wine will give a lighter, slightly fruitier flavor. If you go this route, choose a dry white wine and consider adding a bit of honey for extra depth.

What if I want to make the flavors stronger?

Mulled wine is flexible! Feel free to add extra spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, or even a slice of fresh ginger if you want more heat. Just remember spices like cloves and star anise are strong, so add those sparingly.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this mulled wine?

Absolutely! Substitute the wine with a mix of grape and cranberry juice for a family-friendly version. You can add the same spices, and a splash of apple cider vinegar will give it that nice tangy kick to balance the sweetness.

Can I make this wine ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can combine all the ingredients and let them sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors meld. Just pop it into the slow cooker about an hour before you’re ready to serve, and it’ll be perfect. If you want something chilled with seasonal fruit, try this Apple Pear Sangria.

Storage Instructions

To store leftover mulled wine, let it cool completely, pour it into an airtight container, and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave—just be careful not to let it boil, as this can change the flavor.

Mulled wine doesn’t freeze well because freezing can change the texture and flavor, so it’s best to make only what you plan to use within a few days.

This warm mulled wine is an easy way to add cozy holiday spirit to any get-together. Whether you’re having friends over, putting up decorations, or relaxing after a long day, it’s a tasty and simple treat that can make the season feel special. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you’ll create a festive drink that fills your home with comforting smells and a nice spiced taste that everyone will enjoy. It’s an easy and friendly way to bring cheer to the season.

mug of wine with spices
picture of smiling female

By Katie Shaw

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    Dobrý recept!
    Jsem babička z Čech , brzy bude mít u nás v ČR svátek sv. Martin 11.11.2024 a to přijde zima a možná i sníh, takže svařené víno bude velmi dobrý nápad pro zahřátí. Pomalý hrnec mám, ale nenapadlo by mě dělat v něm svařené víno. Dávám palec nahoru.
    My většinou do svařeného červeného vína dáváme vanilkový cukr, tyčinky skořice, hřebíček a citrónovou kůru.
    A do 1 litru bílého svařeného vína jsou komponenty shodné s červeným svařákem a ještě se k němu přidává 0, 25 litru rumu.
    Badyán dávám do jablkového kompotu.