Spiced Mulled Wine

If you’ve ever wandered through a Christmas market, watched a holiday movie wrapped in a blanket, or spent an entire December pretending your thermostat wasn’t set to “budget mode,” then you already understand the appeal of Spiced Mulled Wine. This slow cooker holiday drink combines red wine, citrus, warm spices, and a little patience into one mug of pure winter comfort. It’s rich, fragrant, and somehow makes your house smell like you’ve been baking all day—even if dinner came from the air fryer. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, decorating the tree, or recovering from another family debate over politics and who forgot the deviled eggs, this easy mulled wine recipe is the perfect way to warm up.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hr
• Total Time: 1 hr and 10 mins
• Servings: 8

Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

What Is Mulled Wine?

Mulled wine is red wine warmed with spices, citrus, and a little sweetness—basically, your favorite glass of red in its Christmas sweater. It’s been a winter staple across Europe for centuries, often made with cinnamon, cloves, and oranges. The trick? Keep the heat low. You’re warming the wine and letting those flavors mingle. Bring it to a boil, and you’ll lose some alcohol and those lovely aromas. A gentle, simmer-free warm-up is all it needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Boil water in a pot. Once the water is boiling, pour sugar into the pot and dissolve it. Add the remaining ingredients and turn off the heat.

Step 2: Pour into a slow cooker and set to low for at least 1 hour, or until the wine is hot. *Do not boil. Serve from the slow cooker into glass mugs and garnish with a sprig of rosemary. Enjoy!

*Caution- Boiling water in pot and mulled wine in slow cooker will be hot!

🍋 Simply Made Variations

• ❤️ Cranberry Mulled Wine: Add cranberry juice and fresh cranberries for a festive holiday twist.
• 🍾 Boozier Version: Add a splash of brandy, bourbon or orange liqueur for an extra kick.
• 🍎 Apple Mulled Wine: Stir in apple cider for a cozy fall and winter flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
• 🇳🇴 Scandinavian-Inspired Glögg: Add raisins and sliced almonds for a nod to Nordic holiday traditions.

🍋 Simply Asked Questions

• Can I make mulled wine ahead of time? 🕰️ Absolutely. Make it earlier in the day and gently reheat before serving.
• What is the best wine for mulled wine? 🍷 Dry, fruit-forward reds like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah and Zinfandel are good choices.
• How long can I keep mulled wine warm? 🔥 Keep it warm in a slow cooker for several hours, using the WARM setting if available. Avoid letting it simmer or boil.
• Can I make this less sweet? 🍭 Of course. Start with less sweetener and adjust to taste.
• Can I make a non-alcoholic version? 🧃 Yes. Substitute red grape juice, cranberry juice or apple cider for the wine and follow the same process.

❤️ Before You Go…

Warm cocktails and easy entertaining go hand in hand. If you’re planning a gathering, browse our crowd-pleasing drink collection, featuring sangrias, punches, and make-ahead favorites. Or explore our entire Christmas Cocktails & Mocktails Collection.