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.

Sweet + Spiced Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
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.

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

- 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.
Troubleshooting and Help
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.


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.