Mulled wine - What is it and how to make it.
May 21, 2026
What is Mulled Wine?
Mulled wine is a winter warming, spiced and sweetened wine drink made by gently heating red wine with a blend of spices and sugar. Traditionally enjoyed in winter months, its origins date back to the days of the Roman empire and remains popular to this day.
When do people drink mulled wine?
In the past, spiced wine was consumed to mask the flavour of poor tasting wine. These days, mulled wine has become somewhat of a winter tradition
In the UK it is most popularly associated with bonfire night night, Christmas, carols and New Year celebrations. It’s also popular among those who undertake country sports in the winter months.
What spices are used in mulled wine?
Popular spices in mulled wine include those with strong flavour profiles. These include cinnamon, ginger, cloves nutmeg, star anise and green cardamom. Slices of orange slices are occasionally added as a garnish. You do not need an awful lot of these ingredients to create delicious mulled wine; just enough to provide some balance.
You can either make your own blend of mulled wine spices, or use one of the most popular mulling spices brands in the UK, like Natural & Noble, which sells pre-blended mulled wine spice sachets.
How do I make mulled wine?
Starting with the wine - a basic, inexpensive red wine is most suitable.
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
- 750 ml red wine (1 standard bottle)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 cloves
- 2 star anise
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (white or brown)
- Optional: 1 strip orange peel (or a few slices)
Method
- Pour the wine into a large saucepan. Add the spices, sugar, and optional orange peel.
- Heat gently over low heat until the mixture reaches a light simmer. Stir occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved. Maintain a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Do not allow the wine to boil, as this will cause alcohol to evaporate.
- Remove from the heat and leave it infuse for about 30 minutes.
- Serve warm, through a sieve.
How long will mulled wine last?
Once you’ve made your mulled wine it can be kept in the fridge for 7 days in a sealed container. As flavours often develop overnight, gently re-heating and serving the next day will allow for a more flavourful and aromatic infusion. It can also be served cold from the fridge.
How to enjoy mulled wine
As Mulled Wine is usually consumed as a seasonal beverage enjoying it with friends during the Christmas period around a warm fire is a delicious way to add to the festivities.
Other mulled drinks
Mulled drinks are not limited to wine. Ale and cider are 2 popular alternative options, the former being very popular in Medieval Britain to mask the flavour of spoiled beer and often warmed with a hot poker.
Summary
Mulled wine is a delicious drink often associated with festive occasions. Although it may be considered somewhat niche, it remains a popular seasonal favourite. It is also simple and easy to prepare at home.
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