This homemade mulled wine recipe combines red wine, orange, lime and warming spices for a wonderfully cosy Christmas drink that's perfect for festive gatherings and winter entertaining.
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*Post updated October 2026
🍷 What Is Mulled Wine?
Mulled wine is a traditional hot drink made by gently warming red wine with spices, citrus fruit and sugar. It's especially popular during the festive season and is often served at Christmas markets, pubs and winter gatherings.
The tradition dates back to Roman times when wine was heated to help keep out the winter chill. Today, recipes vary from country to country, with different combinations of spices and fruit used to create the perfect warming drink.
❤️ Why You'll Love This Mulled Wine
✔ Rich, warming festive flavour
✔ Easy to make in one pan
✔ Perfect for Christmas parties
✔ Can be kept warm in a slow cooker
✔ Made with citrus, vanilla and warming spices
My version includes orange, lime, lemongrass, vanilla, cinnamon and star anise for a wonderfully aromatic mulled wine that's perfect for Christmas and other winter celebrations.
You can also adapt the recipe using white wine, or keep the finished mulled wine warm in a slow cooker if you're serving it for a party.
🛒 Ingredients
🍷Merlot wine🍊 Orange
🍋 Lime
🌿 Lemongrass
⭐ Star anise
🥢 Cinnamon stick
🌱 Vanilla pod
🍃 Bay leaves
🧂 Caster sugar
🌰 Whole cloves
🍷 How to Make Mulled Wine at Home
Start with a decent bottle of red wine. It doesn't need to be expensive, but the better the wine, the better your mulled wine will taste.
Put the sugar into a large saucepan over a medium heat and pour in just enough wine to cover it.
Add the cloves, cinnamon stick and bay leaves. Using a sharp knife, split the vanilla pod lengthways and add it to the pan.
Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then bring the mixture to the boil.
Continue simmering for 4 to 5 minutes until you have a thick, aromatic syrup. This creates a rich flavour base and allows the spices to infuse fully.
Reduce the heat to low and add the orange, lime, star anise, lemongrass and the remaining wine.
Warm gently for around 5 minutes, taking care not to let the wine boil.
Ladle into heatproof glasses and serve warm.
💡 Top Tips
Don't let the wine boil once you've added the remaining wine or some of the alcohol will evaporate.
Make it ahead of time and keep it warm in a slow cooker for parties and gatherings.
Use a decent bottle of wine. It doesn't need to be expensive, but the flavour will shine through in the finished drink.
Looking for another warming drink? Try my Coffee Liqueur Recipe made with strong coffee, cream and your favourite liqueur.
❓FAQ
Can you make mulled wine without brandy?
Yes. This mulled wine recipe doesn't use brandy and still has plenty of flavour thanks to the citrus fruit, vanilla and warming spices.
Can I make mulled wine in advance?
Yes. Mulled wine can be made a day ahead and gently reheated before serving. Avoid boiling as this can affect the flavour.
Can I make mulled wine in a slow cooker?
Yes. Once prepared, transfer the mulled wine to a slow cooker and keep it on the warm setting until you're ready to serve.
Can mulled wine be reheated?
Yes, simply warm it gently on the hob or in a slow cooker. Do not allow it to boil.
What is the best wine for mulled wine?
A fruity red wine such as Merlot works well. It doesn't need to be expensive, but choosing a decent-quality wine will improve the overall flavour.
Can I make non-alcoholic mulled wine?
Yes. Replace the wine with a good-quality red grape juice and follow the same method, adjusting the sugar to taste.
Have you tried this recipe?
Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below!
Homemade Mulled Wine Recipe
This homemade mulled wine recipe combines red wine, orange, lime and warming spices for a festive drink that's perfect for Christmas and winter entertaining.
Ingredients
- 175g caster sugar
- 1 x 75cl (750ml) bottle Merlot or other good-quality red wine
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 fresh bay leaves
- 1 vanilla pod, split lengthways
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lime, quartered
- 3 star anise
- 1 stalk lemongrass, outer layer removed and lightly crushed
Instructions
- Put the sugar into a large saucepan over medium heat. Pour in just enough wine to cover the sugar.
- Add the cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaves and vanilla pod. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until a thick, fragrant syrup forms.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the orange, lime, star anise, lemongrass and the remaining wine.
- Warm gently for about 5 minutes, taking care not to let the wine boil.
- Ladle into heatproof glasses and serve warm.
Notes
- Do not allow the wine to boil after adding the remaining wine. Keep it gently warmed for the best flavour.
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