Cocktail recipe

Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine is fresh, balanced and more memorable than its simple build suggests, with Red wine, Brandy, Orange and Spices giving the drink a clearer flavour story and a more useful reason to make it.

Cocktail List 10 minutes Mocktail
About measurement options
Metric (ml)
Volumes are shown in millilitres or litres.
US (fl oz, cups and spoons)
Uses US fluid ounces, cups and spoons. 1 US fl oz ≈ 29.57 ml.
Imperial (UK and Canada)
The UK and Canada share the imperial fluid ounce. 1 imperial fl oz ≈ 28.41 ml. Small volumes are shown in ml.
Bar (parts and dashes)
On CocktailFun, 1 part = 30 ml. Dashes stay as dashes. Very small volumes may be shown in ml.
Mulled Wine

Description

The charm of Mulled Wine is in the contrast: familiar flavours, but with enough shape to make it memorable. Red wine, brandy, orange and spices give it a flavour story that is easy to understand but not boring. The best version has a clear beginning, middle and finish: aroma first, then sweetness or fruit, then enough acidity or bitterness to clean up the sip.

That makes it useful for home mixing because it feels generous without needing complicated technique.

Ingredients

  • 750 ml Dry Red Wine
  • 60 ml Brandy
  • 120 ml Orange juice (from one orange plus extra)
  • 4 orange slices
  • Sugar
  • 2 pieces Cinnamon Stick
  • 4 pieces Whole Cloves
  • 2 pieces Star Anise
  • 1 piece Nutmeg (pinch)

Equipment needed

Instructions

The quantities are totals for 6 servings. Choose a bowl or jug sized for this batch.

  1. In a large saucepan, combine wine, brandy (if using), orange juice, sliced orange, sugar, and spices.
  2. Heat gently on low and do not boil, or the alcohol will evaporate.
  3. Simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
  5. Ladle into heatproof glasses or mugs, garnished with orange slices and cinnamon sticks.

Recommended glassware

Toddy Glass
Toddy Glass (Recommended)

A sturdy heatproof glass for hot mixed drinks.

180–300 ml Compact heatproof glass or handled tumbler.

Best for: Hot Toddy, hot rum drinks, winter whisky serves.

Garnish: Best with lemon slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and honey.

Quick facts

10 minutes Easy Approx. 13.1% ABV Mocktail Batch friendly
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