What Is Mulled Wine? The Classic Spiced Wine Recipe for the Holiday Season

Warm, aromatic, and irresistibly festive – mulled wine is the drink that defines the winter season. Whether you've sipped it at a Christmas market or made your own at home, this centuries-old tradition brings comfort and spice to cold evenings.

In this guide, we'll explore what mulled wine is, how to make it, and how to craft both red and white versions using Coravin systems – perfect for single-serve or small-batch enjoyment.

What Is Mulled Wine?

Mulled wine, sometimes called spiced wine, vin chaud, or Glühwein, is wine gently heated with warming spices, citrus, and a touch of sweetness. Typically served warm, it's a classic winter drink found across Europe's Christmas markets and holiday celebrations.

Traditionally made with red wine, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange slices, mulled wine is more than a recipe -- it's a seasonal ritual. It captures everything we love about the holiday season: warmth, generosity, and togetherness.

Skip to:

• A Brief History of Mulled Wine

• What You Need to Make Mulled Wine

• Choosing the Best Wines for Mulled Wine

• Classic Mulled Wine Recipe (Step-by-Step)

• How to Make Mulled Wine in a Slow Cooker

• White Wine Mulled Wine Recipe (A Twist on the Classic)

• Tips for Making Mulled Wine Like a Pro

• Serving & Pairing Ideas

• How to Store and Reheat Mulled Wine

• Common Mistakes When Making Mulled Wine

• The Best Wines to Use (and Ones to Avoid)

• Beyond the Classic -- More Holiday Drink Recipes

A Brief History of Mulled Wine

"When in Rome"

The story of mulled wine begins in Ancient Rome, where soldiers warmed wine with honey and spices to ward off the chill. As Roman influence spread across Europe, so did the idea of heating wine.

By the Middle Ages, spiced wines had become symbols of hospitality and health. In Germany, it evolved into Glühwein; in France, Vin Chaud; and in Scandinavia, Glogg. Over time, it became a beloved holiday drink recipe, enjoyed at Christmas markets and winter gatherings worldwide.

What You Need to Make Mulled Wine

Making mulled wine is simple -- the key is balance. You need the right wine, a thoughtful blend of spices, and gentle heat.

Core Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine (Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon)

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 2 star anise

• 3 orange slices

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

• 1 vanilla bean (split)

• 1 lemon zest strip or a few citrus slices

• Optional: 60ml brandy for depth

Coravin Tip: Use your Coravin® Timeless™ Six+ to pour just one or two glasses from your favorite red wines without opening the bottle. You can test different varietals for your mulled wine -- fruit-forward Pinot Noir, rich Cabernet Sauvignon, or bold Shiraz -- while every bottle remains perfectly untouched, ready for your next moment.

Choosing the Best Wines for Mulled Wine

When making mulled wine, choose medium- to full-bodied dry wines that can stand up to spices. Look for reds that are fruit-forward and low in tannin, such as:

• Pinot Noir -- light, aromatic, perfect for subtle spice blends.

• Merlot -- round and smooth, ideal for cinnamon-heavy recipes.

• Cabernet Sauvignon -- robust, perfect for richer, more intense mulled wine.

Prefer something lighter? You can also use dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, or Chenin Blanc for a citrusy twist.

Classic Mulled Wine Recipe (Step-by-Step)

You don't need a full pot to enjoy mulled wine. With Coravin, you can create single-serve or small-batch mulled wine for one or two people --- no waste, no compromise.

Ingredients

• 1--2 glasses of red wine (poured via Coravin Timeless™)

• 1 orange slice

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 star anise

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey

• A few cranberries or lemon zest for garnish

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the wine, spices, and sweetener.

2. Heat on medium-low, never boiling – just warm enough to release aromas.

3. Stir gently and reduce heat if bubbles appear.

4. After 10 -15 minutes, pour into a mug or heatproof glass.

5. Serve warm with additional orange slices for a festive touch.

Mulling Spice Tip:

If you’re preparing mulled wine often through the season, make a small jar of your own mulling spice mix. Combine cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, allspice berries, dried orange peel, and a touch of nutmeg – about two tablespoons per bottle of wine. Store in an airtight container for up to a month. For easy cleanup, tie the mix in a reusable tea bag or cheesecloth before simmering.

Adjusting for Red vs. White Mulled Wine:

• For red mulled wine, lean into warming spices like cinnamon, clove, and star anise — they complement fruit-forward wines such as Pinot Noir or Merlot.

• For white mulled wine, emphasize lighter, aromatic notes like cardamom, ginger, and lemon zest. These pair beautifully with Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling, creating a delicate, citrusy balance.

How to Make Mulled Wine in a Slow Cooker

Hosting a holiday party? Scale up the recipe using a slow cooker.

• Combine a full bottle of wine, spices, and citrus slices.

• Warm on low heat for 1-2 hours (never boil).

• Serve straight from the pot and garnish with orange slices or cranberries.

Leftovers can be cooled and stored in an airtight container for up to three days, then gently reheated.

White Wine Mulled Wine Recipe (A Twist on the Classic)

If you prefer something lighter, white mulled wine offers a delicate, fragrant twist. It's equally festive but more citrusy and floral – ideal for afternoon gatherings or early winter evenings.

Ingredients

• 1-2 glasses of dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling)

• Citrus slices - orange and lemon

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 vanilla bean or ½ teaspoon extract

• A few dried fruits or fresh cranberries

• Ginger slices for warmth

Directions

1. Pour one or two glasses using your Coravin Pivot+® – perfect for open bottles you want to keep fresh for up to four weeks.

2. Combine ingredients in a saucepan and warm on low heat.

3. Stir occasionally and taste as flavors develop.

4. Serve warm with citrus or a cinnamon stick for garnish.

Using Pivot+®, you can make red and white mulled wine side-by-side. Both wines stay fresh long after the party ends – letting you experiment freely without waste.

Tips for Making Mulled Wine Like a Pro

• Use quality spices. Whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise create the best aroma.

• Don't overheat. Keep on medium-low heat to avoid boiling away alcohol.

• Taste and adjust. Add more citrus slices, honey, or brown sugar as needed.

• Experiment by-the-glass. With Coravin, you can pour small amounts of different wines to test flavor profiles before choosing your favorite.

• Serve warm, not hot. Mulled wine should comfort, not burn.

Whether it's a cozy night for two or a festive dinner, Coravin gives you the freedom to explore every bottle by-the-glass – and create your own version of this timeless holiday classic.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

Mulled wine is more than a drink — it’s the centerpiece of the season. Its spiced warmth and subtle sweetness make it a perfect companion to both sweet and savory holiday dishes. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or enjoying a quiet night by the fire, these pairings bring out the best in every glass.

How to Store and Reheat Mulled Wine

Cool leftover mulled wine, then pour into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve again, warm slowly over medium-low heat - never boil.

Pro tip: Reheat only the portion you plan to drink. With Coravin, you can easily top up your next batch with fresh pours from unopened bottles.

Common Mistakes When Making Mulled Wine

• Boiling the wine – this burns off alcohol and flavor.

• Using poor-quality wine – good wine makes great mulled wine.

• Over-spicing – too much clove or star anise can dominate.

• Skipping sweetness – balance is key.

The Best Wines to Use (and Ones to Avoid)

Best wines:

• Pinot Noir – elegant and fruit-forward.

• Merlot – velvety and smooth.

• Cabernet Sauvignon – structured and bold.

• Dry white wines – for lighter, citrusy versions.

Avoid: Highly oaked or overly tannic wines. The spices can clash with strong oak flavors.

Beyond the Classic – More Holiday Drink Recipes

Once you’ve mastered the art of mulled wine, there’s no reason to stop experimenting. From effervescent sparkling cocktails to decadent hot chocolate blends, here are three holiday drink recipes that bring the same spirit of comfort and celebration — all easy to make by-the-glass with Coravin.

✨ Sparkling Wine Cocktails

Cranberry Elderflower Spritz
A bright, festive cocktail that balances citrus and floral notes with the crisp bubbles of sparkling wine.

Ingredients:

• 120 ml chilled Champagne or Prosecco

• 30 ml elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain)

• 30 ml cranberry juice

• A splash of orange juice

• Fresh cranberries and a twist of lemon to garnish

Method:

1. Fill a flute or coupe glass with the chilled sparkling wine.

2. Add elderflower liqueur, cranberry juice, and a splash of orange juice.

3. Stir gently and garnish with cranberries and lemon twist.

Coravin Sparkling® Tip: Pour just one glass and reseal the bottle — the system locks in bubbles and flavor for up to four weeks, so every pour tastes freshly opened.

🍫 Red Wine Hot Chocolate

Rich, indulgent, and surprisingly balanced, this recipe combines silky dark chocolate with fruit-forward red wine for the ultimate winter treat.

Ingredients:

• 250 ml milk (or almond/oat milk)

• 50 g dark chocolate, chopped

• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 120 ml red wine (Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon)

• Whipped cream or marshmallows to top

Method:

1. In a small saucepan, warm milk, chocolate, cocoa, and sugar on low heat until smooth.

2. Once the chocolate melts, pour in the red wine and heat gently (do not boil).

3. Whisk until velvety, then pour into a mug.

4. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa.

Or you could simply try this approach to red wine and chocolate... 👇

Frequently Asked Questions About Mulled Wine

Can I use any wine for mulled wine?

You can technically use any wine, but dry, fruit-forward reds such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon work best. Avoid heavily oaked wines — their strong flavors can overpower the spices.

Can I make mulled wine with white wine?

Yes. White mulled wine offers a lighter, citrus-forward take on the classic. Try Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling and add ingredients like honey, ginger, and lemon zest for a fragrant twist.

Can I reheat mulled wine the next day?

Absolutely — just reheat it gently over medium-low heat until warm. Never boil it, or you'll lose both alcohol and aroma. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

What spices are best for mulled wine?

Classic mulling spices include cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and orange peel. For more depth, try adding nutmeg, cardamom, or vanilla bean to your spice mix.

Can I make just one or two servings of mulled wine?

Yes. With Coravin Timeless™ or Pivot+®, you can pour exactly what you need — a glass or two — without opening the bottle. Perfect for single-serve or small-batch mulled wine, no waste required.

Does alcohol evaporate when making mulled wine?

Only if overheated. Keep your wine on a gentle simmer (around 70–75°C / 160–170°F) to warm the spices without boiling off the alcohol.

Final Thoughts on What Is Mulled Wine

From its ancient roots to your stovetop today, mulled wine remains a symbol of warmth and celebration. Whether you craft a traditional red version or a bright white twist, the key is balance – in flavor, temperature, and time.

And with Coravin, you can pour just what you need, explore new wines without waste, and savor every spiced sip exactly when the moment calls.

Discover the freedom to drink better this holiday season.
Shop Coravin® Timeless™ and Pivot+® wine-by-the-glass systems --- and enjoy your favorite wines, mulled or not, as if the bottle were never opened.