Cozy Mulled Wine with Orange and Cinnamon
A simple, 5-ingredient mulled wine recipe that transforms red wine, oranges, and spices into a warm, aromatic winter drink. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: European
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir)
- 2 large fresh oranges
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks
- 2–3 pieces star anise
- 6–8 whole cloves
- 2–4 tablespoons brown sugar or honey (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns (optional)
Instructions
- Wash oranges thoroughly. Cut in half and squeeze juice into a measuring cup (you need 1/2 to 3/4 cup). Cut the halves into wedges or thick slices.
- Pour the red wine into a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add the fresh orange juice, orange wedges, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and peppercorns (if using).
- Add brown sugar or honey and stir gently to combine.
- Place the pot over medium-low heat. Watch closely for small bubbles forming around the edges; do not let it reach a rolling boil.
- Once bubbles appear, reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow spices to infuse.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.
- Turn off heat and let cool slightly. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher or mugs to remove solids.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnished with a cinnamon stick or orange slice.
Notes
Do not boil the wine, as it will evaporate the alcohol and make the flavor bitter. Use a wine you enjoy drinking on its own. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute grape or blackberry juice. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; strain before reheating gently on the stove.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (approx. 5-6
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 12
Keywords: mulled wine, winter drinks, holiday recipes, red wine cocktail, orange cinnamon wine, cozy drinks, easy appetizer