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 about politics and who forgot to bring 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 simply red wine gently warmed with spices, citrus, and sweeteners. Versions of it have been enjoyed for centuries throughout Europe during the winter months and Christmas season. Traditional recipes often include cinnamon, cloves, oranges, and other warming spices.

The key word here is gently.

You want the wine warm and infused with flavor—not boiling. Boiling can cook off the alcohol, leaving you with something that tastes more like holiday potpourri than a cocktail.

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 extra warmth. Traditional versions often include brandy or other spirits.

🍎 Apple Mulled Wine

Stir in apple cider for extra fall and winter flavor. Apple cider is a popular addition to many mulled wine recipes because it pairs beautifully with the warm spices.

🇳🇴 Scandinavian-Inspired Glögg

Add raisins and sliced almonds for a nod to traditional Nordic holiday drinks.

🍋 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 red wines like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah, and Zinfandel work best.

How long can I keep mulled wine warm? 🔥

You can keep it warm in a slow cooker on low for several hours. Just avoid letting it 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, take a look at our collection of drinks for a crowd featuring sangrias, punches, and make-ahead favorites.